DOJ Unleashes Landmark Lawsuit Against Nonprofit Over Shocking Child Abuse Claims

By Matthew Holloway

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against Southwest Key, a Texas-based non-profit operating eight shelters for illegal immigrant children in Arizona. In its complaint, the DOJ accuses the organization of a consistent pattern of sexual abuse and harassment against unaccompanied minors.

According to the Arizona Daily Independent, Southwest Key has received over $5.6 billion in federal grants from the Department of Health & Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement since 2003. The lawsuit contends that the company violated the Fair Housing Act through these alleged abuses.

The allegations span from 2015 through at least 2023. During this period, several Southwest Key employees reportedly engaged in severe sexual misconduct. This included inappropriate touching, solicitation of sexual acts, and other forms of sexual harassment.

The DOJ charges that Southwest Key failed to sufficiently protect the children in their care. Despite several corrective actions issued by the Office of Refugee Relocation, the organization allegedly neglected federal requirements for abuse prevention and reporting.

“Sexual harassment of children in shelters, where they should be safe, is abusive and unlawful,” stated Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke. “We aim to seek relief and ensure no child is subjected to such abuse again.”

U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani commented, “Children migrating north endure perilous journeys. The alleged sexual harassment destroys any sense of safety, turning their dream into a nightmare.”

Reports from the Arizona Daily Independent, which has monitored Southwest Key for over ten years, highlight a decade-long pattern of neglect and misconduct. The outlet cited multiple whistleblowers who described inhumane conditions in the shelters.

Staff were reportedly directed to ignore children’s complaints of hunger and provide minimal hygiene supplies. The facilities were described as prison-like environments where children were seen as commodities.

The DOJ’s lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate the victimized children and demands court-ordered reforms to prevent future abuse at Southwest Key shelters. The agency urges anyone with relevant information to contact their housing discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291.

Matthew Holloway is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.