Tim Ballard has dedicated his life to one of the greatest human rights battles of our time: the fight against child sex trafficking and exploitation. A father of nine, bestselling author, subject of the hit feature film Sound of Freedom, and host of The Tim Ballard Podcast, Tim is widely recognized as one of the leading voices and advocates in the global movement to rescue victims and bring hope to survivors.
***It is important to note that Tim Ballard is not a Catholic. However, his powerful talks and personal story contain Catholic principles and his service to those in need continue to inspire many. If you are interested in booking him for a talk, please contact us for more details.***
For more than a decade, Tim served as a Special Agent for the Department of Homeland Security. Assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, he conducted hundreds of investigations into child exploitation crimes. He was also deployed as an undercover operative for the U.S. Child Sex Tourism Jump Team, working around the world to infiltrate trafficking networks and rescue children from predators.
These experiences put him face-to-face with the darkest corners of humanity, and they also shaped his unshakable commitment to protecting the innocent. Throughout his government career, Tim witnessed firsthand both the strengths and limitations of law enforcement efforts. He recognized that many children remained out of reach of rescue because of jurisdictional restrictions and bureaucratic red tape.
In 2013, driven by faith, conviction, and a refusal to look away from the suffering of the most vulnerable, Tim and a small team of former government operatives left the safety of their careers to form Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.). Through O.U.R., Tim built an organization capable of operating hand-in-hand with law enforcement agencies across the globe. The group has conducted operations in dozens of countries, dismantling trafficking rings and rescuing thousands of women and children from slavery and exploitation. In addition to rescue missions, O.U.R. also invests heavily in survivor aftercare, ensuring that victims receive the healing, counseling, and resources they need to reclaim their lives and build a future.
Tim’s work and story reached international audiences through the 2023 feature film Sound of Freedom, in which actor Jim Caviezel portrayed him. The film became a cultural phenomenon, sparking worldwide conversations about human trafficking and inspiring millions to learn more, get involved, and support the cause.
In addition to his frontline work, Tim is a passionate communicator. Through keynote talks, books, media appearances, and The Tim Ballard Podcast, he shares gripping firsthand accounts, lessons of faith and resilience, and a call to action for communities everywhere to stand up against exploitation. His speaking style blends the intensity of someone who has been “in the trenches” with the hope and determination of a man who refuses to give up on the most vulnerable.
Tim Ballard’s mission is clear: to shine a light in the darkest places, rescue the oppressed, and rally others to join the fight for freedom. Whether in a courtroom, on the ground in an operation, or standing on stage before thousands, his message is the same—courage, faith, and relentless love can change the world.
