Southwest Key Programs Furloughs 5,000 Employees Amid Federal Funding Freeze
Thousands Face Uncertainty as Contract Suspension Halts Operations
A sudden federal funding freeze has forced Southwest Key Programs, a major nonprofit shelter provider for unaccompanied migrant children, to furlough 5,000 employees. The organization, which operates shelters in Texas, California, and Arizona, confirmed that a government-issued “stop placement” notice has effectively halted its services.
A furloughed employee shared a letter from the organization detailing the abrupt shutdown. The message explained that the federal government’s decision led to the immediate suspension of operations, leaving thousands of workers without a paycheck. It remains unclear whether the suspension is temporary or if employees will be reinstated.
Uncertainty for Workers and Migrant Children
The sudden furloughs not only impact workers but also raise concerns about the well-being of unaccompanied migrant children under Southwest Key’s care. The organization has long been one of the country’s largest providers of shelters for minors arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border without a guardian…