Sixty-three House Democrats have asked HHS and the Office of Refugee Resettlement to explain recent moves ending long‑standing contracts for legal services to unaccompanied migrant children and to justify new awards. Lawmakers are particularly concerned about a no‑bid $158 million contract to Our Rescue and a withdrawn $150 million bid by Burke Law Group, arguing these organizations lack demonstrated immigration‑law capacity. Advocates say the lapse in contracts left more than 20,000 children at risk of appearing in immigration proceedings without counsel, while HHS defends the choices as grounded in anti‑trafficking expertise.
Democrats Demand Answers From HHS Over No‑Bid Contracts For Migrant Children's Legal Counsel
Democrats press HHS over legal representation of migrant children
Sixty-three House Democrats have pressed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) for explanations after the agency moved to end longstanding contracts with providers that represent unaccompanied migrant children and to award new contracts — including a contested no‑bid $158 million award.
Lawmakers say the changes put vulnerable children at risk. In a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the ORR director, lawmakers warned that the agency appears poised to hand contracts to politically connected organizations and small firms that lack documented immigration-law experience and the infrastructure to represent thousands of children nationwide.
Contested Contracts and Withdrawals
Last month, HHS awarded a no‑bid contract valued at $158 million to Our Rescue (formerly Operation Underground Railroad), an anti‑trafficking organization founded by Tim Ballard. Lawmakers noted that Our Rescue "does not list legal services among its primary functions" and questioned whether it has the necessary legal staff, case-management systems, and nationwide capacity to provide representation consistent with federal obligations.
HHS has defended the decision, calling Our Rescue "a premier organization focused on combatting human trafficking globally," and saying the group can identify victimized children and pursue immigration remedies. An HHS official also told ABC News the Our Rescue contract is currently stayed after the White House announced that $800 million in congressionally approved funding is being rescinded.
The letter also cited a planned $150 million award to Burke Law Group, a small Texas firm founded by a former Trump administration appointee. That firm withdrew from consideration after members of Congress and advocacy groups raised concerns about its lack of experience representing unaccompanied minors.
Marcio Jose Sanchez/Pool AP via - PHOTO: Immigration Human Trafficking Claims
Legal Requirements and Advocacy Concerns
Under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008, ORR must ensure unaccompanied children have access to confidential, qualified legal consultation. Lawmakers and advocates warn that replacing providers with organizations that lack proven immigration-law programs risks leaving children without counsel in complex immigration proceedings.
"Unaccompanied minors are the most vulnerable population in the immigration system. We have a moral and statutory duty to provide them with quality legal representation," Rep. Joaquin Castro told ABC News.
Advocates say the lapse in long-term legal contracts left more than 20,000 children without a clear plan for representation. Michael Lukens, executive director of the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights — which previously received federal funding that was later terminated — said nonprofits are struggling to meet demand and that children are increasingly showing up in court without counsel or being pressured into "voluntary" removal.
Advocates have also raised concerns about broader enforcement activity, noting that in June DHS visited several Washington-area nonprofit offices that provide legal services to migrant children and that immigration agents have been directed to locate unaccompanied children in the U.S.
What Lawmakers Are Seeking
The lawmakers, led by Rep. Joaquin Castro and Rep. Jasmine Crockett among others, have requested details about the Our Rescue contract, the procurement process, and whether ORR plans to award additional contracts to organizations without established legal-service programs for children. They emphasize that any transition must protect children's access to experienced, confidential legal counsel.
Next steps: HHS has said the Our Rescue contract is stayed; lawmakers are awaiting additional documents and responses. The controversy has sparked scrutiny of procurement practices and renewed calls for clear plans to ensure continued legal representation for unaccompanied minors.
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