Miami Catholic Charities loses $11M contract for migrant child care

Trump administration cites drop in illegal immigration as factor in contract cancellation

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:55am

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A dimly lit, cinematic interior space with muted colors and long shadows, evoking a sense of uncertainty and melancholy in the wake of a significant contract loss.The loss of a major government contract casts a somber tone over the future of Catholic Charities' migrant services in Miami.Today in Miami

The Trump administration has canceled a longstanding $11 million contract with Catholic Charities in Miami to provide care for migrant children, citing a drop in illegal immigration as a factor amid ongoing tensions between the president and the organization.

Why it matters

The loss of this major contract is a significant financial blow to Catholic Charities' operations in Miami, which has long played a key role in providing shelter, food, and other services to unaccompanied migrant children. The contract cancellation also reflects the broader political tensions between the Trump administration and organizations that assist undocumented immigrants.

The details

Catholic Charities had held the $11 million annual contract to care for migrant children for over a decade. However, the Trump administration decided to cancel the contract, stating that the drop in illegal border crossings had reduced the need for such services. Catholic Charities has disputed this claim, arguing that the need for their services remains high.

  • The $11 million annual contract with Catholic Charities had been in place for over 10 years.
  • The Trump administration canceled the contract in April 2026.

The players

Catholic Charities

A non-profit organization that provides a range of social services, including care for unaccompanied migrant children, in the Miami area.

Trump administration

The presidential administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, which made the decision to cancel the contract with Catholic Charities.

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What they’re saying

“The need for our services remains high, and we are disappointed by this decision.”

— Catholic Charities spokesperson

The takeaway

This contract cancellation highlights the ongoing political tensions between the Trump administration and organizations that assist undocumented immigrants, as well as the significant financial impact such decisions can have on non-profit service providers.