Justice Department Drops Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Against Southwest Key

The Department of Justice has withdrawn a civil rights lawsuit against Southwest Key Programs. The lawsuit, filed last year, accused the nonprofit of sexual abuse of minors in its shelters. The decision follows a halt in the placement of children and an ongoing review by the Department of Health and Human Services.

The Department of Justice has dropped its civil rights lawsuit against Southwest Key Programs, a nonprofit that operates shelters for unaccompanied minors in the United States. The lawsuit accused the organization of allowing sexual abuse to occur within its facilities.

The decision to dismiss the case followed action by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which halted the placement of unaccompanied minors at Southwest Key shelters and launched a review of its grants with the nonprofit. The minors have since been relocated to other shelters.

In response to the dropped case, Southwest Key maintains its stance against the allegations, denying any pattern of abuse or misconduct within its shelters. The decision aligns with Attorney General Pam Bondi's focus on addressing illegal immigration, as opposed to initiatives from the previous administration.

(With inputs from agencies.)