Controversial Contract for Legal Services to Migrant Children Sparks Concern

Children were seen waiting outside the immigration court at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York City as of July 31, 2026. This has followed the awarding of a contentious contract by the Trump administration to an anti-human trafficking organization. The organization, Our Rescue, received a no-bid $158 million contract to offer legal services to unaccompanied migrant children. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced this on Friday.

Previously known as Operation Underground Railroad, Our Rescue collaborates with law enforcement to combat human trafficking. However, it is uncertain whether they have staff specialized in immigration law. Their website claims they provide legal support for prosecuting offenders. When approached for comment, Our Rescue did not respond.

The organization was founded by Tim Ballard, who gained recognition through the 2023 film Sound of Freedom. Tim Ballard faced scrutiny following allegations of sexual exploitation post-release of the film. Although he denied these claims, he was discreetly dismissed from the group. Current CEO, Derek Benner, previously worked with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) confirmed to NPR that the contract would last for six months, from August 7 to February 6, 2027. Other involved providers include the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. An ORR spokesperson emphasized their commitment to ensuring legal representation for every unaccompanied immigrant child in court.

Michael Lukens, director of the nonprofit Amica Center for Immigrant Rights, criticized the contract, highlighting Our Rescue’s lack of expertise. His organization had previously served migrants under an old contract. Lukens argued that this decision could harm children needing legal support.

Presently, approximately 24,000 immigrant children classified as unaccompanied reside in the U.S., according to the federal government. However, only 1,800 are in the custody of HHS. These minors, without lawful immigration status, lack a parent or legal guardian in the U.S. to care for them.

The media continues to report on the implications of allowing a previous contract with multiple legal nonprofits to expire on July 31 without a replacement. This transition created urgent challenges for attorneys in maintaining legal representation for minors.

ORR announced that the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants would offer legal representation to unaccompanied children in its care until December 31. Lukens argues this is a temporary fix and criticizes HHS’s contract management for causing disruption and allegedly favoring inexperienced organizations.

Highlighting ongoing support, Lukens noted that Amica Center for Immigrant Rights and other nonprofits continue to help the children pro bono to maintain continuity. Legal nonprofits stopped receiving government payments in November due to refusal to disclose confidential client information, protected under attorney-client privilege. Nonprofits abstained from reapplying for contracts over these significant concerns.

Throughout the Trump administration, contracts have consistently been awarded to parties with ties to the administration. The current CEO of Our Rescue, Derek Benner, formerly held a senior role in Homeland Security Investigations under Trump.

Last week, the administration intended to offer Burke Law Group, a Texas-based firm, up to $150 million to represent unaccompanied minors in custody. Due to NPR and others reporting on its poor fit based on experience and ties to the Trump administration, Burke Law Group withdrew from consideration.

Marcella Burke, a co-founder, served in the first Trump administration. Despite being solicited by ORR, the firm decided against applying for this contract. Although it has a strong presence in Texas, its legal expertise primarily involves environmental regulation rather than immigration law.

The proposed contract only included support for around 1,800 children. This situation continues to raise questions about the choices and practices within the administration.