NewsKPBS Public MediaAugust 12, 2026San Diego
Trump administration awards $158M no-bid contract to Our Rescue for migrant child legal services
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded a $158 million no-bid contract to Our Rescue, an anti-human trafficking group, to provide legal services for unaccompanied immigrant children. The six-month contract follows the expiration of agreements with nearly 100 legal nonprofits and comes amid criticism regarding the organization's lack of immigration law expertise.
Read the full story at KPBS Public MediaWhy It Matters
The contract shifts the provision of legal representation for thousands of unaccompanied minors in federal custody to an organization with no documented history in immigration law, replacing a network of specialized legal nonprofits.
Key Facts
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Who's Mentioned
personMichael Lukens“Executive director of Amica Center for Immigrant Rights.”personDerek Benner“CEO of Our Rescue and former ICE official.”organizationBurke Law Group“Texas law firm that withdrew from a separate $150 million contract bid.”organizationOffice of Refugee Resettlement“HHS division managing the contracts.”organizationOur Rescue“Anti-human trafficking group formerly known as Operation Underground Railroad.”organizationU.S. Department of Health and Human Services“Federal agency awarding the contract.”personTim Ballard“Founder of Our Rescue and subject of the film Sound of Freedom.”