Trump Administration Terminates $11 Million Migrant Care Contract with Catholic Charities

The Trump administration has officially terminated an $11 million contract with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami, ending a partnership that has spanned more than six decades. On April 15, 2026, the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) notified the organization that it would no longer fund its programs for unaccompanied migrant children, which include shelters, foster care, and specialized trauma support.

The partnership dates back to the 1960s, beginning with the Cuban exile airlifts. Since then, Catholic Charities has been a cornerstone of South Florida’s humanitarian response. One of its primary facilities, the Msgr. Bryan O. Walsh Children’s Village, currently maintains 81 beds for minors who arrive in the United States without a parent or legal guardian.

Federal officials have characterized the decision as a fiscal necessity driven by a significant decrease in the number of children in government custody. According to the administration, the daily population of unaccompanied minors has dropped to approximately 1,900, down from previous peaks of 22,000. The ORR stated that consolidating facilities is a strategic move to reduce unused capacity and streamline operations.

However, the decision has met with sharp criticism from religious leaders. Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami described the cancellation as "baffling," arguing that the church’s programs serve as a national model for compassionate care. Child welfare experts have also expressed concern, noting that relocating children already in the system can cause psychological trauma comparable to severe family loss.

The timing of the cancellation has sparked speculation regarding its political motivations. The move follows public disagreements between President Trump and the recently elected Pope Leo XIV over international policy and migrant welfare. While the administration maintains the cut is purely budgetary, critics suggest the friction with the Vatican may have influenced the decision.

Catholic Charities has been given a three-month window to wind down its services. During this period, the remaining children in their care will be transitioned to other facilities, a process that may take several months to complete as the government reshapes its approach to faith-based humanitarian aid.