The U.S. Justice Department has accused Southwest Key Programs, the largest provider of housing for unaccompanied migrant children, of systematic and severe sexual abuse and harassment. The allegations, detailed in a lawsuit filed on July 18, 2024, claim that employees, including supervisors, have engaged in abusive practices since at least 2015. The nonprofit organization, based in Austin, Texas, operates 29 shelters across Texas, Arizona, and California.
The DOJ's lawsuit alleges that Southwest Key employees have raped, groped, and solicited sex and nude images from the children in their care. Specific incidents include the abuse of a 5-year-old child in an El Paso shelter and an 11-year-old boy in Tucson, who was taken to a hotel and coerced into performing sexual acts. Victims reportedly faced threats of violence against themselves or their families if they disclosed the abuse.
I WOULDN'T take those children into HHS custody as they will transfer them to a facility such as Southwest Key Programs old Walmart in Brownsville, RGV CATHOLIC Charities or San Antonio Immigration Center and HHS has already been knowingly handing children to 'Un-Vetted' Sponsors https://t.co/q43gBiKEds pic.twitter.com/p35IlEhKOf
— A s h . ♥🇵🇷🇨🇱 (@Official_BP20) November 11, 2023
The lawsuit reveals a disturbing pattern where staff members were aware of the abuse but failed to report it or actively concealed it. Investigations into these incidents often led to temporary suspensions of the accused employees, but the outcomes were frequently unclear, suggesting systemic issues in oversight and accountability within the organization.
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra has expressed serious concerns over the patterns of abuse, emphasizing HHS's zero-tolerance policy for such behavior. This lawsuit follows a recent decision by a federal judge to lift special court oversight of HHS’s care for unaccompanied migrant children, a move contested by critics who argue that it leaves children vulnerable.
🚨BREAKING NEWS: Texas based Southwest Key programs the largest housing provider for unaccompanied migrant children is accused by the Department of Justice of s*xually abusing migrant children in their care (Shocker).
Lawsuit alleges employees have r*ped, touched or solicited… pic.twitter.com/yyYUnDZgXc
— Joseph Trimmer (@JosephTrimmer_) July 19, 2024
Southwest Key has faced multiple allegations of abuse over the years. In Phoenix, for instance, an investigation into a youth care worker revealed an inappropriate relationship with a minor, involving instances of unsupervised contact and gift-giving. These incidents, often reported by whistleblowers, highlight a culture of neglect and inadequate response to serious violations.
The pervasive nature of the allegations has sparked widespread criticism from various quarters, including child advocacy groups and lawmakers. These stakeholders are calling for more stringent oversight and reforms to protect vulnerable children in the care of organizations like Southwest Key.
The organization's substantial federal funding, which has grown significantly over the years, adds to the urgency for accountability and transparency.
As the DOJ's lawsuit unfolds, the spotlight remains on Southwest Key Programs and its practices. The allegations underscore the need for rigorous safeguards and effective oversight to prevent such egregious abuses and ensure the safety and well-being of migrant children in federal care.
