The Trump administration has contracted with Burke Law Group, a Houston-based firm, to provide legal representation to unaccompanied migrant children in government shelters under a $150 million agreement beginning August 15. The decision has drawn concern from legal advocacy organizations that previously handled such cases.
The contract, described as a “single source cooperative agreement,” bypassed standard competitive bidding procedures. According to the firm’s website, only two of 25 listed lawyers claim relevant immigration law experience. Many of the firm’s attorneys work in corporate law and have connections to conservative causes and the Trump administration. The firm’s founder, Marcella Burke, previously served as a lawyer in the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of the Interior during Trump’s first administration.
Legal aid groups expressed alarm about the transition. Michael Lukens, head of the Amica Center, characterized the decision as “upsetting and shocking” and warned that children could lack meaningful legal representation and due process protections. The groups noted the contract covers approximately 1,800 children in government shelters, while roughly 22,000 migrant children are living outside the shelter system with sponsors.
The announcement followed the expiration of a prior contract with a network of nearly 100 legal aid providers that had served immigrant children nationwide. Legal advocates reported ongoing payment delays for work completed since last November and indicated they face requests from the administration for detailed client information they say raises ethical concerns.
Confusion has surrounded the transition. The Associated Press witnessed an attorney appearing via video in a Chicago hearing claiming to represent children on behalf of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants due to a “gap in legal services,” despite the children already having representation. Similar incidents were reported in courtrooms across the country. The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to requests for comment.
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