WASHINGTON D.C. — The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit Wednesday in which it alleges many cases of sexual abuse and harassment by Southwest Key Programs Inc., the largest provider of housing for unaccompanied migrant children, as Paul J. Weber and Valerie Gonzalez of the Associated Press reported.
Not clear is how many children remain in Southwest Key’s care, nor whether children are still being placed with Southwest Key. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is responsible for the care of unaccompanied migrant children, “has a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of sexual abuse, sexual harassment, inappropriate sexual behavior, and discrimination,” Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement.
“These allegations are deeply concerning,” said Jennie Murray, President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum. “While we are encouraged by Secretary Becerra’s statement, we urge HHS to act promptly to ensure that children are safe.
“As we’ve said before, Congress should support the response not only by exercising oversight, but also by making certain that agencies are adequately funded so that they can protect children and act in their best interest.”