Trump Admin Cancels $11M Catholic Charities Contract

Feud with Pope over migrant children's shelter and care

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A somber, realistic painting depicting a lone migrant child sitting on a bench in a government office, the space filled with warm light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of isolation and uncertainty.The cancellation of a key government contract with a Catholic charity raises concerns about the future of shelter and care for vulnerable migrant children.Today in Miami

The Trump administration has reportedly canceled an $11 million contract with the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami, which offers shelter and care to migrant children entering the United States alone. The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) cited efforts to stop illegal entry and the smuggling and trafficking of unaccompanied alien children as the reason for closing and consolidating unused facilities.

Why it matters

This move represents an escalation in the ongoing feud between the Trump administration and the Catholic Church, particularly Pope Francis, over the treatment of migrants and refugees. Catholic Charities has been a key provider of shelter and services for unaccompanied minors, and this contract cancellation could disrupt critical support for vulnerable children.

The details

The $11 million contract with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami was used to provide shelter and care for migrant children entering the U.S. alone. The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services, stated that the contract was being canceled as part of efforts to 'stop illegal entry and the smuggling and trafficking of unaccompanied alien children'.

  • The contract cancellation was announced on April 16, 2026.

The players

Trump Administration

The presidential administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, which has taken a hardline stance on immigration and refugee policies.

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami

A Catholic non-profit organization that provides shelter, care, and other services to migrant children entering the U.S. alone.

Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)

A division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that is responsible for the care and placement of unaccompanied migrant children.

Pope Francis

The current Pope and leader of the Catholic Church, who has been a vocal advocate for the rights and humane treatment of migrants and refugees.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The cancellation of the Catholic Charities contract is likely to face legal challenges and condemnation from the Catholic Church and other advocacy groups. The Biden administration, if elected in 2024, may seek to restore funding and support for organizations providing shelter and services to migrant children.

The takeaway

This decision reflects the Trump administration's continued crackdown on immigration and its willingness to clash with the Catholic Church, a longtime provider of aid and sanctuary for vulnerable migrants. It raises concerns about the well-being of unaccompanied minors and the erosion of the social safety net for these children.