In McALLEN, Texas, the Trump administration has decided to drop a civil lawsuit against the largest provider of housing for migrant children, Southwest Key Programs. The lawsuit, filed last year under the Biden administration, alleged sexual abuse and harassment of unaccompanied minors at Southwest Key shelters in Texas, Arizona, and California. The federal government announced it will no longer use Southwest Key’s services and has moved all unaccompanied children to other shelters.
In response to the government’s actions, Southwest Key Programs has had to furlough approximately 5,000 employees due to a funding freeze and stop placement order on their shelters. The lawsuit detailed disturbing allegations of employees raping, touching inappropriately, and soliciting sex from children as young as five years old. Despite the severity of the accusations, the government has dismissed the lawsuit against Southwest Key Programs.
Critics, including attorney Leecia Welch, have expressed shock and disappointment at the government’s decision to overlook the abuse suffered by children in Southwest Key shelters. They hope that the impacted children will receive support and justice as they heal from the trauma. At least two employees have been indicted on criminal charges related to the allegations. The civil lawsuit had sought a jury trial and monetary damages for the victims.
