Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami had its $11 million contract canceled by the Trump administration, which had provided shelter and care for migrant children entering the U.S. alone for years. The Office of Refugee Resettlement cited a significant decrease in unaccompanied minor arrivals and a broader effort to curb illegal immigration. This abrupt termination, which will force the charity to cease operations within three months, has been met with shock and disappointment from Miami’s Archbishop and local parishioners, who highlight the organization’s long-standing record of exceptional service to a vulnerable population.
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Amidst rising tensions between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV regarding migration policies, an $11 million federal contract with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami has been abruptly canceled. This multimillion-dollar funding supported vital services for unaccompanied migrant children for over six decades. Archbishop Thomas Wenski expressed bewilderment at the decision, citing the charity’s unmatched track record in serving this vulnerable population and questioning the government’s ability to replicate their competent services. The cancellation, attributed by a departmental spokesperson to a “significantly lower” number of unaccompanied children in care, raises concerns about the potential psychological harm to the children if relocated.
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The Trump administration has largely ceased releasing undocumented children in federal custody to their parents and other relatives since early November. While the Administration for Children and Families claims that enhanced vetting policies are in place to better protect the children, sources within the Office of Refugee Resettlement indicate that a verbal order was issued to halt releases. Before this unofficial order, only about four children were released to sponsors daily. Consequently, children are experiencing increased detention, causing mental health issues and impacting reunification efforts.
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John Q. Hosedrinker