The U.S. government has filed a lawsuit against Southwest Key Programs, a nonprofit that provides temporary shelter for underage migrants, alleging widespread sexual abuse and harassment of vulnerable children in their care. The lawsuit claims that employees of Southwest Key engaged in severe sexual abuse, rape, solicitation of sex, and other inappropriate behavior towards migrant children who were sent to their facilities after being apprehended at the southwest border. The suit seeks damages for the victims, civil penalties, and other relief as deemed necessary by the court.
Southwest Key, which has received over $3 billion from the government between 2015 and 2023 for their services, responded by stating that they prioritize the safety and well-being of the children in their care. However, the lawsuit alleges that employees at their facilities were aware of ongoing abuse but failed to report it. The suit cites specific instances of abuse, including a case where a youth care worker at a Southwest Key facility in Texas allegedly raped and abused a teenage girl.
The lawsuit also highlights the chaotic situation surrounding the care of unaccompanied migrant children, which has led to an increase in spending on housing and care for these children. While family separation policies have ended, the number of unaccompanied children arriving at the border alone has continued to grow, resulting in increased demand for temporary shelter facilities like those operated by Southwest Key.
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