Democrats demand HHS explanation over migrant child legal contracts

A coalition of 63 Democratic lawmakers has demanded formal explanations from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) regarding federal contracts for the legal representation of unaccompanied migrant children.

The inquiry, led by Representatives Joaquin Castro and Jasmine Crockett, specifically targets a $158 million contract awarded to Our Rescue, an organization based in Utah. Legislators expressed concern that the group lacks the specialized legal infrastructure and expertise required by law to represent more than 20,000 minors in U.S. courts. They noted that Our Rescue, formerly known as Operation Underground Railroad, primarily focuses on combating human trafficking rather than providing legal services.

Lawmakers also highlighted irregularities in the bidding process, citing the case of Burke Law Group, a Texas firm that declined a $150 million assignment following objections regarding technical capacity. The group warned that the ORR must ensure legal assistance meets the standards set by the 2008 Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act to protect the legal futures of vulnerable children.