The Trump administration has awarded a $158 million federal contract to Our Rescue, a Utah-based nonprofit organization founded by activist Tim Ballard, to represent unaccompanied migrant children, according to federal contracting records. Reported by The Washington Post, the agreement places the organization—previously known as Operation Underground Railroad—inside the oversight framework of the Office of Refugee Resettlement, which manages the care of minors who cross the border without a parent or guardian.
Federal database records show the $158 million award went to the controversial group without a competitive bidding process. The decision immediately drew intense public scrutiny and criticism across federal contracting forums and immigration policy circles regarding the background of the organization’s founder and its operational shift into child welfare representation.
Our Rescue states that its primary mission involves assisting law enforcement agencies with sting operations and rescuing survivors of human trafficking.
Background of the Organization and Leadership Transition
The organization, previously known as Operation Underground Railroad, faced heightened scrutiny from media outlets and law enforcement authorities following his departure.
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Office of Refugee Resettlement and Migrant Minor Oversight
These minors arrive at the United States border without legal authorization and without a parent or legal guardian available to provide care.
Public Reaction and Congressional Response
Public reaction to the federal database disclosure included widespread commentary from immigration advocacy groups, legal scholars, and government accountability watchdogs. Critics pointed to the organization’s prior association with Ballard and the lack of a competitive bidding process for an award of this scale.