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Original Date Announced
August 7, 2026A 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 ChildrenCurrent Status
NoneOriginal Trump Policy Status
Subject Matter: Minors Immigrant Visas: Special ImmigrantAgencies Affected: ORRAssociated or Derivative Policies
- February 18, 2025 Trump administration issues stop-work order for legal service providers representing unaccompanied minors
- April 11, 2025 Trump administration allows contract with Acacia Center for Justice, provider of legal services for unaccompanied migrant children, to expire
- August 6, 2026 ORR announces intent to award $150M contract to Burke Law Group to provide legal representation for unaccompanied children
Documents
Trump-Era Policy Documents
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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 article2026.08.11 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.
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