Children gather outside an immigration court at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building on July 31, 2026, in New York City. A $158 million contract was awarded by the Trump administration to a Utah-based organization called Our Rescue, formerly known as Operation Underground Railroad, to provide legal services for unaccompanied migrant children. This organization, known for supporting law enforcement in sting operations against human traffickers, faced scrutiny over whether it had qualified immigration lawyers. While its website mentions providing legal support to prosecute offenders, there is uncertainty about its staff’s qualifications in immigration law.
Our Rescue was founded by Tim Ballard, the subject of the 2023 film Sound of Freedom. Despite being heavily promoted in conservative circles aligned with QAnon conspiracies, Ballard was later accused of sexual exploitation, which led to his departure from the organization. Derek Benner, the current CEO, previously worked for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) confirmed the contract with Our Rescue, which is set for six months. Michael Lukens, from Amica Center for Immigrant Rights, criticized this decision, pointing to the lack of legal service expertise within Our Rescue. Under previous agreements, Lukens’ organization provided these services, ensuring representation for immigrant children.
Approximately 24,000 unaccompanied immigrant children are currently in the U.S., with only 1,800 in the custody of HHS, which defines them as minors without lawful immigration status and no parent or legal guardian available in the U.S. The contract with Our Rescue was awarded after a similar contract expired on July 31. Lukens expressed concerns over the chaos created by the expiration, stating that HHS relied on unqualified organizations while trying to bridge gaps.
The Trump administration has shown a pattern of awarding contracts to entities with GOP affiliations. Derek Benner, CEO of Our Rescue, held a significant role in Homeland Security Investigations during the Trump administration. A notice suggested the potential awarding of up to $150 million to Burke Law Group, a Texas-based law firm, which later withdrew from consideration amidst public scrutiny over its connections to the Trump administration and limited experience in immigration law.
Marcella Burke and Jeffrey Hall, founders of Burke Law Group, were associated with the Trump administration. Despite discussing their potential role in filling legal service gaps, the firm decided against applying for a grant or contract. ORR intended a cooperative agreement with the firm, citing its presence in Texas, but the firm specializes more in environmental and regulatory matters than immigration.
The proposed contract with Burke Law Group would have addressed legal needs for approximately 1,800 children in HHS shelters, leaving many questions about the adequacy and suitability of legal representation for these minors.