HHS, DOJ End Placements at Southwest Key Shelters Due to Abuse Claims

Texas Border Business

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Texas Border Business

Wednesday, March 12, 2025- The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today it has halted the placement of unaccompanied alien children in shelters run by Southwest Key Programs Inc. due to serious allegations of sexual abuse and harassment. All children previously housed at Southwest Key facilities have been transferred to other shelters.

“This administration is working fearlessly to end human trafficking and other abuses of unaccompanied alien children,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “Today’s action is a critical step toward protecting these vulnerable minors.”

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Southwest Key, the nation’s largest provider of temporary shelters for unaccompanied alien children, operated 27 facilities across Texas, Arizona, and California, funded by HHS’s Office of Refugee Resettlement.

In July 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a civil lawsuit alleging that employees at Southwest Key facilities sexually abused and harassed children under their care. Following HHS’s decision to terminate placements at these facilities and review grant funding, the DOJ has dismissed its lawsuit.

“Securing our border and safeguarding children are this administration’s top priorities,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said. “We are committed to stopping abuses that flourished under previous border policies.”

Updated March 12, 2025

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