Our Rescue Awarded $158 Million Contract to Represent Migrant Children

1-Minute Brief

The contract's award to a group with a controversial background raises questions about oversight in services for unaccompanied migrant children.

Key Facts

• Our Rescue, a Utah-based group, was awarded a $158 million contract to represent unaccompanied migrant children.
• The Trump administration awarded the contract to Our Rescue.
• Tim Ballard, a former ICE agent, founded Our Rescue and left the group in 2023 before facing sex trafficking accusations.
• Our Rescue was previously known as Operation Underground Railroad.
• The group states it assists law enforcement with sting operations and rescues of human trafficking survivors.

What Happened

Our Rescue, founded by Tim Ballard, received a $158 million federal contract to represent unaccompanied migrant children. The group has a controversial history and was previously known as Operation Underground Railroad.

Why It Matters

The selection of a group with a contentious background for a significant government contract has prompted scrutiny of the vetting process for organizations providing services to vulnerable migrant children.

What's Next

Observers may monitor how Our Rescue fulfills its contract and whether additional oversight or reviews are implemented regarding its operations and leadership history.