On July 31, 2026, outside an immigration court at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York City, children awaited legal proceedings. The Trump administration granted a no-bid $158 million contract to Our Rescue, a Utah-based organization previously known as Operation Underground Railroad. This group claims to perform sting operations with law enforcement to capture human traffickers and aid victims. Their competence in immigration law remains uncertain, despite assertions of providing legal support for prosecutions. NPR’s request for comment from Our Rescue was unreturned.
Founded by Tim Ballard, the organization gained attention through the 2023 film ‘Sound of Freedom,’ promoted by conservative media amidst QAnon conspiracies. Ballard, who attended the film’s premiere, faced allegations of sexual exploitation, which he denied. He was later removed from the group, now led by CEO Derek Benner, a former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the contract duration from August 7 to February 6, 2027. The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) stated they collaborate with other providers, including the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, to ensure legal representation for unaccompanied immigrant children.
Michael Lukens of the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights criticized the decision, highlighting Our Rescue’s questionable history and lack of expertise in serving unaccompanied minors. He expressed concerns over potential harm to children, attributing their actions to chaos in the system.
Approximately 24,000 immigrant children are categorized as unaccompanied by the federal government, with only 1,800 under HHS custody. The previous contract with nearly 100 legal nonprofits expired on July 31, leaving many attorneys grappling to maintain legal support for these minors.
ORR clarified that since August 5, the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants has managed legal services for unaccompanied children till December 31. Nonetheless, Lukens remained critical, suggesting HHS is intentionally causing disruption without long-term contracts, reaching out to unfit organizations.
Despite financial constraints, nonprofits like Amica Center continue to provide representation, upholding attorney-client privilege. This situation stems from the Trump administration halting payments to these nonprofits in November due to confidentiality disputes.
The selection of organizations linked to the Trump administration adds to concerns. Derek Benner, Our Rescue’s CEO, held a role in the Department of Homeland Security during Trump’s tenure. Recently, a $150 million contract intended for the Burke Law Group was withdrawn after media scrutiny revealed its ties to the administration and lack of relevant experience.
Marcella Burke, co-founder of the Burke Law Group, served in executive roles in the Interior Department and EPA, while Jeffrey Hall, also a founding partner, remains an EPA administrator. The firm initially considered the contract but ultimately declined.
ORR intended to collaborate with the firm for their geographic presence in Texas, although their expertise primarily lies in environmental and regulatory matters, with only two attorneys focusing on immigration and asylum cases.
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