Trump Administration Halts Collaborations with Southwest Key Amid Staff Allegations

The Trump administration has terminated its relationship with Southwest Key Programs amid disturbing allegations of sexual abuse against unaccompanied migrant children, showcasing a decisive shift in policy aimed at protecting vulnerable minors from exploitation.

Quick Takes

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the end of placements with Southwest Key Programs, the largest provider of shelters for unaccompanied migrant children in the U.S.
A Justice Department lawsuit detailed shocking allegations of sexual abuse against migrant children as young as 5 years old by Southwest Key employees.
All children previously housed at Southwest Key facilities have been relocated as part of the administration’s commitment to end human trafficking and abuse.
The organization has operated 26 shelters across Texas, Arizona, and California, receiving federal grants since 1996.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi criticized previous border policies for creating conditions that incentivized child exploitation.

Administration Takes Decisive Action Against Alleged Abusers

The Department of Health and Human Services, under the leadership of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has cut ties with Southwest Key Programs following serious allegations of sexual misconduct against migrant children in their care. The Texas-based nonprofit, which has been the largest provider of shelters for unaccompanied minors in the United States, now faces a complete halt to new placements. The decision comes after a Justice Department lawsuit accused the organization of fostering a pattern of sexual abuse and harassment of children under their supervision, highlighting the administration’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children in government custody.

Secretary Kennedy made the administration’s position clear declaring, “This administration is working fearlessly to end the tragedy of human trafficking and other abuses of unaccompanied children who enter the country illegally. For too long, pernicious actors have exploited such children both before and after they enter the United States. Today’s action is a significant step toward ending this appalling abuse of innocents.”

Trump Admin Removes Migrant Children From Southwest Key Programs Following Sexual Abuse, Harassment Allegations https://t.co/U5zmBIBwER #OAN

— One America News (@OANN) March 13, 2025

Disturbing Pattern of Abuse Allegations

The lawsuit against Southwest Key outlined shocking allegations of sexual misconduct by employees, including rape, inappropriate touching, and solicitation of sex acts from migrant children in their care. In one particularly disturbing case, a worker was accused of repeatedly abusing several girls, with the youngest victim being only 5 years old. At least two employees have faced criminal charges related to these allegations. These incidents reportedly occurred across the organization’s network of 26 shelters and foster care programs operating in Texas, Arizona, and California, facilities that had been entrusted with the care of vulnerable minors since 1996.

Following HHS’s decision to remove all children from Southwest Key facilities, the Justice Department has dismissed its lawsuit against the organization. Southwest Key has consistently denied the allegations, with a spokesperson stating, “Southwest Key strongly denied the claims relating to child sexual abuse in our shelters, and there is no settlement or payment required. We are glad this matter is now concluded. We always believed the facts would prove the allegations to be without merit.”

Impact on Southwest Key Operations

In response to the federal government’s stop placement notice, Southwest Key has already issued furlough notices to its employees. The organization described the situation as challenging and unforeseen, leading to temporary workforce reductions. The nonprofit has worked with the U.S. government since 1996 and received substantial funding through grants from the HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement. This decision marks a significant shift in how the federal government manages care for unaccompanied migrant children and may reshape the landscape of shelter providers moving forward

The Trump administration’s decisive action reflects its stated commitment to both protecting children in government care and addressing border security concerns that create conditions for exploitation of minors. The priority now shifts to ensuring that all unaccompanied children are placed in safe environments while the government reevaluates its partnerships with shelter providers.