Justice Department Drops Lawsuit Against Southwest Key Amid Controversy

The Department of Justice dropped a civil rights lawsuit against Southwest Key Programs related to alleged sexual abuse of unaccompanied minors. With the Department of Health and Human Services ceasing child placements in its shelters, the case was dismissed, sparking criticism and further calls for accountability.

The Department of Justice has dismissed a civil rights lawsuit filed against Southwest Key Programs, a nonprofit accused of sexual misconduct towards unaccompanied minors in its care. The decision follows a shift by the Department of Health and Human Services to halt the placement of children in Southwest Key's shelters, stating a plan for grant reviews was underway.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. emphasized the significance of this move as a deterrent to longstanding abuses against vulnerable children in the U.S. Southwest Key, which has been contracted to shelter young migrants arriving without guardians, denies allegations of systemic abuse in its facilities and earlier sought dismissal of the case.

A joint motion for dismissal was submitted, and the case officially closed after the court's acceptance. The decision did not sit well with advocacy groups, who are calling for further action against the organization. The National Center for Youth Law has appealed to Senator Chuck Grassley for more transparency on the Justice Department's decision, insisting on accountability for the welfare of unaccompanied children.

(With inputs from agencies.)