A Texas-based law firm has withdrawn its application for a significant federal contract aimed at providing legal representation to unaccompanied migrant children. Burke Law Group was initially slated to receive a $150 million grant from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to offer legal orientation, consultation, and representation services.

The decision to withdraw came after immigrant advocacy groups voiced strong objections and concerns about the firm's qualifications and its connection to the Trump administration. The firm's attorneys did not initially list immigration law as a primary practice area, although their website was later updated to include it.

In a court filing on Thursday, HHS confirmed that Burke Law Group had informed the agency of its withdrawal from consideration for the contract. This move follows reporting by ABC News that the firm, which has ties to former Trump administration officials, was on track to be awarded the substantial contract.

Immigrant rights organizations questioned the suitability of Burke Law Group for such a critical role. Michael Lukens, executive director of the Amika Center for Immigrant Rights, expressed surprise that HHS would consider a firm he deemed unqualified over established nonprofits that have been serving unaccompanied children for nearly two decades. He highlighted that these existing organizations have extensive experience in providing legal aid to vulnerable youth.

Burke Law Group has 26 employees and operates across eight offices. Among its founders is Marcella Burke, a former Trump appointee to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Interior. Another founding partner, Jeffrey Hall, also previously served in the EPA.

In December 2023, the Acacia Center for Justice, an immigrant advocacy group, became the primary contract holder for HHS's Unaccompanied Children Program. This program oversees legal representation for over 20,000 unaccompanied migrant children through subcontracts with more than 100 service providers. HHS had previously stated that Acacia declined an opportunity to receive a new federal contract, citing requirements related to data provision and billing for immigration relief applications.

The contract in question was intended to provide crucial legal services to children who arrive in the U.S. without a parent or guardian and are placed in government custody. These legal services are vital for navigating complex immigration proceedings and seeking asylum or other forms of relief.

Burke Law Group did not immediately respond to requests for comment from ABC News regarding its withdrawal. The withdrawal leaves the future of legal representation services for these children under this specific contract open, and raises ongoing questions about the process for awarding such sensitive government grants.