Trump Administration Cuts Funding to Catholic Charity for Migrant Children
Federal Funding Withdrawal from Catholic Charities
The Trump administration has opted to terminate federal financial support for a Catholic charity that offers shelter and care to migrant children. This decision arises amid rising tensions with Pope Leo XIV. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), via its Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), will not extend an $11 million contract with Catholic Charities managed by the Archdiocese of Miami. This shelter has historically provided accommodation and care for unaccompanied minors in the U.S.
"ORR is shutting down and consolidating underused facilities as the Trump administration intensifies its efforts to curb illegal immigration and the trafficking of unaccompanied minors," stated HHS press secretary Emily G. Hilliard.
Currently, the nonprofit organization assists approximately 1,900 unaccompanied minors daily, a significant decrease from around 22,000 during the Biden administration. The decision to terminate the contract was finalized on February 16, with the organization being informed in March. This funding cut will necessitate the facility's closure within three months.
Archbishop Thomas Wenski has strongly condemned this decision, labeling it sudden and unprecedented after over six decades of collaboration. "The U.S. government has abruptly chosen to end a relationship with Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Miami that has lasted more than 60 years," Wenski remarked. He emphasized that the organization’s services for unaccompanied minors have been acknowledged for their excellence and serve as a national benchmark.
"Our history of serving this vulnerable group is unparalleled… yet the funding for these services has been withdrawn," he cautioned, highlighting the potential repercussions for migrant children who depend on the program.
This funding cut coincides with President Donald Trump's ongoing disputes with Pope Leo XIV, particularly regarding the pontiff's views on the Iran conflict and other global matters. The withdrawal of funds has intensified scrutiny of the administration's immigration policies and its relationship with the Catholic Church.