Controversial Contract Awarded for Legal Services to Unaccompanied Migrant Children

On July 31, 2026, children were seen outside the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York City, awaiting immigration court proceedings. The Trump administration has recently awarded a no-bid $158 million contract to the Utah-based anti-human trafficking organization, Our Rescue, for providing legal services to unaccompanied migrant children. This decision by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has been contentious.

Our Rescue, previously known as Operation Underground Railroad, assists law enforcement with sting operations aimed at catching human traffickers and rescuing survivors. While their website mentions offering “legal support to help prosecute offenders,” the presence of immigration lawyers on their staff remains uncertain. The organization has not yet responded to NPR’s request for comments.

Tim Ballard, an activist and the subject of the 2023 film Sound of Freedom, founded Our Rescue. The film, starring Jim Caviezel, gained significant attention in conservative media during the rise of QAnon conspiracies. Following the movie’s release, Ballard faced allegations of sexual exploitation, which he denied, but was nonetheless quietly removed from the organization. Derek Benner, former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official, now leads the group.

Michael Lukens, Executive Director of Amica Center for Immigrant Rights, criticized the decision to grant the contract to Our Rescue due to their lack of experience in providing legal services to unaccompanied children.

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) stated the contract with Our Rescue will last six months, from August 7, 2026, to February 6, 2027. The ORR is working with other organizations such as the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants to ensure that all unaccompanied immigrant children have legal representation.

Approximately 24,000 migrant children in the U.S. are classified as unaccompanied, though only 1,800 remain in HHS custody. These children have no lawful immigration status and lack a parent or guardian in the U.S. The previous contract expired on July 31, causing concern about continued legal representation for the minors. ORR began using the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants for legal services from August 5 until December 31, although Lukens expressed concern about the temporary nature of these arrangements.

The Trump administration has been criticized for securing contracts with organizations linked to Republican ties. Derek Benner, now CEO of Our Rescue, previously worked with the Department of Homeland Security. Burke Law Group, a Texas-based firm, was initially considered for a contract worth up to $150 million to represent the children but withdrew after reports highlighted its lack of experience in immigration matters and connections to the Trump administration.

Marcella Burke and Jeffrey Hall, partners at Burke Law Group, have held positions within the Trump administration. The group ultimately chose not to pursue the contract, citing contemplation about how they might contribute to filling the service gap.