Democrats challenge HHS contracts

Sixty-three Congressional Democrats sent a letter Monday to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and the Office of Refugee Resettlement director raising concerns about awarding contracts to politically connected firms lacking immigration experience.

HHS awarded controversial contract

Last month HHS awarded a no-bid one hundred fifty-eight million dollar contract to Utah-based Our Rescue, previously known as Operation Underground Railroad, to provide legal services to migrant children.

Our Rescue founder's history

Our Rescue was founded by activist Tim Ballard, who resigned in two thousand twenty-three amid allegations of misconduct, which he denied in a statement posted through one of his organizations.

Lawmakers question firm's qualifications

The sixty-three lawmakers wrote that Our Rescue does not list legal services among its primary functions and lacks the infrastructure and legal expertise to provide representation for thousands of children across the country.

“does not list legal services among its primary functions”

Legal requirement at stake

Under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of two thousand eight, the Office of Refugee Resettlement is required to provide confidential and qualified legal consultation to unaccompanied children.

HHS defends Our Rescue

An HHS spokesperson called Our Rescue a premier organization focused on combatting human trafficking globally and said they understand foreign populations preyed upon by criminal networks and can recognize victimized children.

Contract stayed amid funding cuts

An HHS official told ABC News that the Our Rescue contract is currently stayed after the White House announced that eight hundred million dollars in congressionally approved funding is being rescinded.

Second firm withdraws from consideration

A small Texas law firm founded by a former Trump appointee withdrew from consideration for a one hundred fifty million dollar contract after lawmakers and advocacy groups raised concerns it lacked experience representing migrant children.

Advocates warn of harm to children

Michael Lukens, executive director of the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights, said children are being bullied in court to take self-deportation and showing up without counsel despite government mandate to provide attorneys.

“We are seeing children being bullied in court to take self-deportation and other children showing up without any counsel, even though the government is mandated to provide them with an attorney”