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The administration plans to award Burke Law Group a $150 million contract to represent unaccompanied migrant children.

The administration announced its intent to award a $150 million contract to Burke Law Group, a Houston-based law firm, to provide legal representation for thousands of unaccompanied migrant children in government custody. The contract will provide legal orientation, consultation, and attorney-of-record services for eligible children during immigration proceedings. This award follows the expiration of a previous contract with a group of nearly 100 legal nonprofits, which the administration stopped paying due to a dispute over confidential data. Advocates have expressed concern regarding the firm's experience in immigration law, noting that only two of its 24 attorneys specialize in the field. However, the firm features ties to the administration, including founders Marcella Burke and Jeffrey Hall, who served in official capacities under President Trump. Simultaneously, the federal government is facing a funding cliff for legal services. Approximately 20,000 children will lose federally funded representation as the previous contract expires. Advocates warn that without lawyers, children may be railroaded into voluntary departure, potentially missing out on full and fair hearings for asylum or other relief.

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