# US migrant child legal representation dispute > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-migrant-child-legal-representation-dispute > Updated: 2026-10-06T18:44:32.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. A dispute has emerged regarding the legal representation of unaccompanied migrant children in the United States. Initially, a coalition of 63 Democratic lawmakers demanded explanations from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) concerning a $158 million contract awarded to the organization Our Rescue. Legislators raised concerns that the group lacked the specialized legal expertise required to represent over 20,000 minors and noted irregularities in the bidding process. Following these inquiries, the Trump administration announced the creation of a new legal division within HHS, titled the Unaccompanied Alien Children Legal Representation Division. Signed by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., this division aims to provide government-employed attorneys to assist in reuniting children with families. This policy follows the administration’s decision to end its relationship with the Acacia Center for Justice. Critics have expressed concern that utilizing government lawyers may create conflicts of interest and increase the risk of deportation for the children involved. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-06: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide government lawyers for migrant children The Trump administration is creating a government-run legal division to represent unaccompanied migrant children, a move critics say may increase deportation risks by removing independent legal advocates. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-department-of-health-and-human-services-to-provide-government-lawyers-for-migrant-children ### 2026-09-28: Democrats demand HHS explanation over migrant child legal contracts Sixty-three Democratic lawmakers are questioning the HHS over $158 million in contracts awarded to Our Rescue to provide legal representation for unaccompanied migrant children. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/democrats-demand-hhs-explanation-over-migrant-child-legal-contracts --- Cite as: US migrant child legal representation dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-migrant-child-legal-representation-dispute