DOJ Sues Texas-Based Southwest Key Over Eight Years of Sexual Abuse of Migrant Children

Jul 18, 2024, 10:52 PM

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Southwest Key Programs, the largest housing provider for unaccompanied migrant children in the United States. The lawsuit alleges that multiple employees of the Texas-based nonprofit organization engaged in severe and pervasive sexual abuse and harassment of children in their care over the past eight years. The employees reportedly exploited the children's vulnerabilities, language barriers, and distance from family and loved ones. The allegations include rape, sexual abuse, and harassment, creating a hostile environment for the minors. This lawsuit highlights systemic issues within the organization, which operates under grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Southwest Key Programs operates 10 shelters and is accused of violating the Fair Housing Act. The organization received billions of dollars to support the children.