Controversial group wins $158M-contract to represent unaccompanied immigrant children

Children wait outside of an immigration court at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building on July 31, 2026 in New York City. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images North America hide caption

The Trump administration has awarded a controversial anti-human trafficking organization a no-bid $158 million contract to provide legal services to unaccompanied migrant children, according to a notice posted Friday by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Utah-based Our Rescue, previously known as Operation Underground Railroad, says it helps law enforcement perform sting operations to catch human traffickers and rescue survivors. It's unclear if it has immigration lawyers on its staff, although its website says it offers "legal support to help prosecute offenders." Our Rescue did not immediately return NPR's request for comment.

The group was founded by activist Tim Ballard, who was the subject of the 2023 film Sound of Freedom . The movie starring Jim Caviezel was heavily promoted in conservative media as QAnon conspiracies flourished.

Within months of the film's release, however, Ballard faced accusations of sexual exploitation himself. He has repeatedly denied them, but was quietly removed from the group. It's now headed by CEO Derek Benner , who previously worked for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement .

Tim Ballard attends the premiere of "Sound of Freedom" on June 28, 2023 in Vineyard, Utah. Fred Hayes/Getty Images for Angel Studios hide caption

In a statement to NPR, the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) said the contract will run for six months, from Aug. 7 to February 6, 2027. The agency said it is working with other providers besides Our Rescue, including the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants.

"ORR is committed to ensuring every (unaccompanied immigrant child) has legal representation in immigration court," an ORR spokesperson told NPR Wednesday.