PHOENIX, Ariz. (KVOA) - The Department of Health and Human Services has ceased placing unaccompanied alien children in shelters run by Southwest Key Programs Inc. and relocated all children from those facilities to other shelters.
"This administration is working fearlessly to end the tragedy of human trafficking and other abuses of unaccompanied alien children who enter the country illegally," said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. "For too long, pernicious actors have exploited such children both before and after they enter the United States."
Southwest Key has been the largest provider of shelters for unaccompanied alien children in the U.S., operating 27 residential facilities in Texas, Arizona, and California. These shelters were funded through grants from the HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement.
In July 2024, the Department of Justice filed a civil lawsuit against Southwest Key, alleging unlawful sexual harassment and abuse of children by its employees. Due to ongoing concerns, HHS decided to end placements in Southwest Key facilities and review its grants with the organization. Following this decision, the Department of Justice dismissed its lawsuit against Southwest Key.
"Securing our border and protecting children from abuse are among the most critical missions of the Department of Justice and the Trump administration," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.
