The U.S. government has terminated a long-standing migrant care contract with Catholic Charities in Miami, citing reduced need, as church officials warn of harmful impacts on children amid broader tensions with the Vatican.
The Trump administration has canceled an $11 million contract with Catholic Charities in Miami to house unaccompanied migrant children, ending a partnership spanning more than 60 years. The move comes amid tensions between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV, whose criticism of U.S. policies on Iran and migrants has drawn backlash from the administration.
The Office of Refugee Resettlement said fewer migrant children are now in federal care, citing a drop to 1,900 from a peak of 22,000. “ORR is closing and consolidating unused facilities,” a spokesperson said. Archbishop Thomas Wenski responded: “The U.S. government has abruptly decided to end more than 60 years of relationship with Catholic Charities.”
Wenski warned the program will shut within three months, displacing vulnerable children. Experts say relocation could be traumatic. “It’s incredibly psychologically harmful to be moved,” said Robert Latham. Catholic Charities currently operates shelters and foster services, but it remains unclear where affected children will be relocated.