According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), thousands of immigrant children in detention, who have not been accompanied by their families, have been sexually abused in the last 4 years in the US.

According to documents released from Axios Republican Congressman Ted Deutch's office, 1,303 complaints were reported to the Justice Department while 4,556 complaints sexual harassment were reported between October 2014 and July 2018 to the HHS- affiliated Refugee Placement Office.

"This behavior is really vile and disgusting," said Congressman Deutch.

HHS spokesperson Caitlin Oakley addressed the reports in a statement, saying minors' safety is a "top concern," and argued that there are "rigorous standards" in place for employees, which include mandatory background checks.

"These are vulnerable children in difficult circumstances, and ORR fully understands its responsibility to ensure that each child is treated with the utmost care. When any allegations of abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect are made, they are taken seriously and ORR acts swiftly to investigate and respond," Oakley said.

ILKHA