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2.0

HHS awards $244 million contract for unaccompanied children to Our Rescue

  1. Original Date Announced

    August 7, 2026

    A SAM.gov notice shows that the Trump administration awarded a no-bid $244 million contract to Our Rescue, a Utah-based non-profit, to provide legal representation to unaccompanied migrant children in immigration proceedings.

    Our Rescue was founded by an unconfirmed former ICE agent, Tim Ballard, who left Our Rescue in 2023 amid allegations of sexual misconduct. The current CEO, Derek Benner, was a senior official at ICE Homeland Security Investigations.

    Trump 2.0 [ID #2364]

    2026.08.07 DHHS - Legal Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children

Current Status

None

Original Trump Policy Status

Agencies Affected: ORR

Commentary

  • 2026.08.11 American Prospect - Disgraced Anti-Sex-Trafficking NGO Gets $244 Million to Rep Migrant Kids

    The American Prospect reports on the award and Our Rescue, including the allegations of sexual assault and trafficking against its founder, Tim Ballard.

    Go to article
  • 2026.08.11 Washington Post - Ex-ICE agent’s group awarded $158 million to represent migrant children

    Washington Post reports on concerns from advocates who argue that the administration is replacing experienced legal service providers with organizations that may lack the expertise necessary to provide meaningful representation. The advocates argue that the move could facilitate the deportation of unaccompanied minors.

    Go to article

Documents

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