Trump Administration Halts Migrant Child Placement: Uncover the Surprising Reason

The Trump administration has severed ties with Southwest Key Programs, the largest provider of shelters for unaccompanied migrant children, following disturbing allegations of sexual abuse that span nearly a decade.

Key Takeaways

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the cessation of placing unaccompanied migrant children with Southwest Key Programs amid sexual abuse allegations.
All migrant children previously housed at Southwest Key facilities have been relocated to other shelters.
The Justice Department filed a lawsuit detailing a pattern of sexual abuse and harassment of unaccompanied children from 2015 to 2023, including allegations of rape and inappropriate touching.
Southwest Key, a Texas-based nonprofit, operated 26 shelters across three states and had worked with the government since 1996.
The Trump administration has emphasized its commitment to ending human trafficking and protecting vulnerable migrant children.

Administration Takes Swift Action Against Shelter Provider

The Department of Health and Human Services, under the leadership of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has announced a complete severance of ties with Southwest Key Programs following serious allegations of sexual misconduct toward migrant children. The Texas-based nonprofit, which has operated as the largest provider of shelters for unaccompanied minors in the United States since 1996, has been accused of harboring staff members who sexually abused children under their care.

“This administration is working fearlessly to end the tragedy of human trafficking and other abuses of unaccompanied children who enter the country illegally,” said Secretary Kennedy in his announcement of the decision. The Department has confirmed that all children previously housed at Southwest Key facilities have been relocated to ensure their safety and protection from potential harm.

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

Serious Allegations Detailed in Justice Department Lawsuit

The Justice Department’s lawsuit against Southwest Key Programs details disturbing allegations spanning from 2015 to 2023. These accusations include rape, inappropriate touching, and solicitation of sex acts from children as young as five years old. According to court documents, at least two workers have faced criminal charges related to these allegations, with one worker accused of repeatedly abusing several young girls.

Southwest Key has firmly denied the allegations. A spokesperson for the organization stated, “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.”

Organizational Impact and Legal Developments

Southwest Key Programs, which operated 26 shelters and a foster care program across Texas, Arizona, and California, has been forced to issue furlough notices to employees following the government’s decision. The stop placement notice has already taken effect, creating what the organization described as a “challenging and unforeseen” situation that necessitated temporary staff reductions.

The Justice Department has decided to dismiss its lawsuit following the HHS decision to remove all children from Southwest Key facilities. This move has raised concerns from child advocacy groups, including the National Center for Youth Law, which had sought to intervene in the case. The organization expressed concern that dismissing the lawsuit might deny children recourse for harms suffered while in Southwest Key’s care.

Congressional Oversight and Future Protection

The National Center for Youth Law has urged Senator Chuck Grassley to seek an explanation from the Justice Department regarding the lawsuit’s dismissal. Senator Grassley has since contacted the Department for clarity on this decision, reflecting continued congressional interest in ensuring proper oversight of facilities housing unaccompanied migrant children.

Despite Southwest Key’s denial of the allegations, the Trump administration’s decisive action underscores its stated commitment to protecting vulnerable children from exploitation. The Department of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Department of Justice, continues to evaluate all facilities housing unaccompanied minors to ensure they meet the highest standards of care and safety.