The U.S. government filed a lawsuit against Southwest Key Programs, the largest provider of temporary shelter for underage migrants, for alleged sexual abuse and harassment of children. The civil rights suit claims the nonprofit engaged in a pattern of abuse, including rape, solicitation of sex, and inappropriate relationships. The lawsuit seeks damages for victims, civil penalties, and other relief. The government has paid Southwest Key over $3 billion for services. The Department of Health and Human Services will evaluate the assignment of children to care programs. Southwest Key stated its commitment to the safety of children in its care. The lawsuit details multiple allegations of abuse and harassment, some known to employees but unreported. In 2019, a youth care worker at Casa Montezuma in Texas allegedly raped and abused a girl, warning her not to report the crime. Another worker at Casa Padre in Texas had a long-term relationship with a teenager, known to coworkers but unreported. The number of migrant children held by the government increased in 2019 due to family separation policies at the border. Spending on housing and care for unaccompanied migrant children more than doubled to $6.5 billion last year.
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