Tim Ballard, the real-life inspiration behind the movie "Sound of Freedom," recently provided compelling testimony at a congressional hearing led by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ). The hearing, titled "Children are Not for Sale: Global Efforts to Address Child Trafficking," focused on the issue of human trafficking, particularly the role played by the United States and its southern border in exacerbating this ongoing problem.
During his testimony, Ballard, a former Homeland Security agent, shed light on the challenges surrounding child trafficking, highlighting the situation at the US southern border. He also addressed the United States' involvement in the sex tourism industry. Ballard emphasized that US policies have a ripple effect globally and noted that the country is often regarded as the top consumer of child exploitation material and a major contributor to the abhorrent sex tourism industry.
Rep. Smith, who chaired the hearing, introduced the SECURE Act earlier this month. This legislation aims to hold the Biden Administration accountable for locating the 85,000 unaccompanied migrant children (UACs) who have gone missing. Smith expressed his concerns about the rampant issue of child trafficking within the United States, stressing that child predators take advantage of conflict, poverty, lawlessness, and the vulnerability of refugees and migrants.
In addition to Ballard's testimony, Jeanne Celestine Lakin, an author and survivor of the Rwandan Genocide, also spoke at the hearing. Lakin emphasized the urgent need for robust policies to protect children from the clutches of trafficking, especially during times of conflict. She called for collaborative efforts to create a better and safer world for children, where the horrors of trafficking are eradicated.
Human trafficking remains a grave concern worldwide, with an estimated 27 million individuals trapped in forced labor or sex trafficking each day. Disturbingly, nearly one-third of these victims are believed to be children, though the actual number could be even higher. Ballard acknowledged the arduous battle against human trafficking cartels and their allies but expressed optimism that with determined efforts, victory can be achieved.
Rep. Smith's SECURE Act, in particular, seeks to locate at-risk children who the current administration claims are no longer their responsibility. By addressing the acute risk of sexual abuse faced by these vulnerable children, the SECURE Act aims to contribute to the fight against human trafficking.
