Krishnamoorthi, Colleagues Press HHS on Placement of Migrant Children at Facility with Documented History of Abuse

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12), Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17), and Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04) sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Office of Refugee Resettlement Acting Director Angie Salazar demanding answers about ORR's decision to place unaccompanied migrant children at Abraxas Academy in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, despite the facility's documented history of child abuse violations.

The lawmakers raise serious concerns about ORR's decision to award Abraxas Alliance a $9.2 million contract in August 2025 despite Pennsylvania officials documenting repeated deficiencies and revoking one of the facility's licenses. They also urge HHS to immediately review all ORR-contracted facilities, suspend the Abraxas Academy contract pending a full investigation, and provide Congress with a complete accounting of how the placement decision was made.

"It is appalling that ORR nevertheless decided to house unaccompanied minors in a facility with such a record, thereby potentially exposing these children to the possibility of abuse and in violation of federal rules," the Members wrote.

The letter details a decades-long pattern of documented problems at the facility, including repeated state findings of physical mistreatment of minors, allegations of sexual harassment and abuse by staff, and a pattern of institutional failures. Although federal law requires ORR to place children in "the least restrictive setting that is in the best interests of the child," reports indicate children are being housed in locked cells.

The Members also cite concerns stemming from a July 8 congressional oversight visit, during which facility staff were reportedly unable to answer basic questions about allegations of abuse or explain legally required procedures for children who turn 18 while in ORR custody. As the Members wrote, "This utter lack of knowledge of the basic, legally required functions of this facility raises serious concerns about the safety of the children living inside."

The letter requests responses by August 14, 2026, including:

• Who approved the decision to place children at Abraxas Academy and what child welfare assessments were conducted.
• Why ORR proceeded with the contract despite Pennsylvania's documented findings of abuse and licensing violations.
• Whether HHS has reviewed other ORR-contracted facilities for compliance with state and federal child welfare standards.
• Why some children with parents or close relatives in the United States were reportedly placed in ORR custody rather than reunited with family.
• What safeguards exist to protect children from abuse and how staff are trained.
• The financial and operational relationship between Abraxas Alliance and GEO Group.

"The federal government bears a solemn responsibility to ensure the proper treatment and protection of every child in its care," the Members wrote. "Allowing any child to be placed in an environment with a history of abuse is cruel and undermines the moral leadership of the United States."

A copy of the letter can be found here.