Congresswoman Ramirez Statement on Reports of Sexual Abuse of Migrant Children by Housing Provider

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Vice Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee, released the following statement on the reports of sexual abuse and harassment of migrant children, by employees of Southwest Key, the largest housing provider for unaccompanied migrant children.

"I am horrified by the reports of sexual assault and abuse of children by Southwest Key employees, a company the federal government has entrusted with the care of unaccompanied migrant children. We must have zero tolerance for all forms of abuse and harassment. When a company that has been contracted by the federal government to shelter and protect children instead perpetrates violence and traumatizes them, we must act. The Department of Justice must intervene to provide the necessary oversight and accountability to ensure no child in the care of the federal government is EVER subject to abuse.”