Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced new undercover operations aimed at infiltrating and dismantling what his office describes as “leftist terror cells” operating within the state. The move comes amid his office’s assertion of a surge in political violence following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
In a press release, Paxton said that groups affiliated with left-wing political violence are “known to be operating in Texas.”
“Leftist political terrorism is a clear and present danger. Corrupted ideologies like transgenderism and Antifa are a cancer on our culture and have unleashed their deranged and drugged-up foot soldiers on the American people,” Paxton said. “The martyrdom of Charlie Kirk marks a turning point in America. There can be no compromise with those who want us dead. To that end, I have directed my office to continue its efforts to identify, investigate, and infiltrate these leftist terror cells. To those demented souls who seek to kill, steal, and destroy our country, know this: you cannot hide, you cannot escape, and justice is coming.”
He further accused the “radical Left” of fostering an environment in which political violence is “justified but celebrated and praised.”
According to the release, Paxton cited two specific recent incidents: in July, “nearly two dozen armed leftists connected to various Texas-based Antifa-like groups” who allegedly attacked an ICE facility in Alvarado, Texas; and an armed leftist shooting at an ICE facility in Dallas two weeks after Kirk’s assassination on Sept. 10, 2025.
Paxton’s office also cited the assassination of Charlie Kirk — whom it called a “national hero” — as evidence of an intensified threat.
The press release appears on the Texas Attorney General’s official site.
Response and Context
Media outlets have begun reporting on Paxton’s announcement. KERA noted the move, referencing the press release’s language and framing it as the AG intending to expand the state’s role in policing political violence.
The News Release page of the Attorney General’s office includes the full text of the order.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller issued a statement supporting Paxton’s initiative.
Paxton’s declaration intensifies the scrutiny over how state and federal authorities respond to politically motivated violence. The assassination of Charlie Kirk — confirmed by multiple sources — has already drawn significant national attention.
Paxton’s sweeping language and framing of ideological opponents raise questions about delineation between legitimate law enforcement and political expression. As the operations move forward, observers — in media, civil liberties groups, and academia — will likely press for clarity around oversight, evidence standards and protections for constitutional rights.
Texas Reporter 