Federal investigators uncover abuse in Texas juvenile detention facilities

A four-year federal investigation by the Department of Justice uncovered extensive mistreatment and infringement of rights in juvenile detention facilities throughout Texas.

It also revealed numerous instances of mistreatment and cases of abuse; children were pepper-sprayed until they vomited, confined in solitary for extended periods, and faced sexual abuse from staff. The inquiry also found that children were subject to excessive violence and did not receive adequate mental health care. 

Federal officials started their probe after advocates complained about how children were being treated across five centers - Evins Regional Juvenile Center, Gainesville State School, Giddings State School, McClennan County State Juvenile Correctional Facility, and Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex.

Children were taken to these centers if they did something that would be seen as a criminal offense if they were grown-ups. Minors are also admitted if they have breached their parole or probation.

In 2019, some of the highest rates of sexual victimization were reported by children in three of the youth facilities in juvenile detention centers nationwide.

During a specific incident in 2022, an employee sexually assaulted a child by kissing them in a closet. According to the report, the employee entered the closet, switched off the light, and waited for the child to arrive. Footage of the incident showed the employee and the child “lean forward and kiss each other on the lips” before exiting the closet.

In some cases, MK-9 canisters, which contain 13.4 ounces of pepper spray and are typically used for crowd control, were sprayed directly into children’s faces for extended periods, causing vomiting.

In September 2022, a child was handcuffed and pepper-sprayed for jumping on furniture and banging his head. Another child in the mental health wing at Giddings State School was also pepper-sprayed.

There have also been instances of physical abuse on the children, which led to the arrest of accused staff members. In 2023, security footage revealed a Ron Jackson worker lifting a child and slamming him to the ground, resulting in a cut above his eye and a concussion. The employee was later indicted on charges of “official oppression.”

In another incident, a boy at Evins claimed that a staff member slammed him to the ground and utilized all of their body weight to keep him down while others restrained him.

Children would be locked up for 22-23 hours a day, barely getting out to shower or exercise, according to police. One child spent over a week in solitary before being transferred to a halfway house.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke says these facilities are violating the law. Clarke pointed out that these children are sent for help but end up abused and neglected instead.

“Children are committed to TJJD facilities to receive treatment and rehabilitation so that they may return to their communities as law-abiding, productive citizens,” Clarke said at a press conference. “Our investigation showed that, far from achieving those objectives, TJJD engaged in a pattern of abuse, deprivation of essential services, and disability-related discrimination that seriously harms children and undermines their rehabilitation.”

Texas juvenile officials emailed a response, asserting they’re working to address the issues. They claimed, “We have a zero-tolerance policy toward abuse and neglect and have always fully rejected any abusive behaviors at our campuses.”

The Justice Department has recommended that the detention centers address these issues. The federal government might file a lawsuit if Texas doesn’t comply within 49 days.