Tim Ballard resigns from Homeland Security because U.S. laws block him from rescuing trafficked kids.
So he quits to start doing child rescue missions overseas on his own dime.
Trailer for “Operation Toussaint”
You Can’t Make This Sh!t Up
- To take down a ring of traffickers in Haiti, the O.U.R. team rents a beach house, pretends to be sex tourists, and secretly films the traffickers offering kids for sale. Within 24 hours, they trigger a sting that leads to multiple arrests and rescues over 20 children.
Watch “Operation Toussaint”
You can watch “Operation Toussaint” on Prime Video.
Ratings:
- My Rating: 93/100
- IMDB Rating: 8.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: Not Yet Rated
Director’s Note: Directed by Nick Nanton (also known for “Rudy Ruettiger: The Walk On“). This doc was made to highlight one very specific mission—Operation Toussaint in Haiti. But it also functions as a spotlight on Tim Ballard and the early days of O.U.R.’s global work. It’s more boots-on-the-ground than most trafficking docs, which lean academic or data-heavy.
Release Date: October 23, 2018
My Review of “Operation Toussaint”
The Setup
Instead of relying on experts or statistics, “Operation Toussaint” follows a former federal agent turned rogue operator as he runs a real-life sting operation in Haiti. The goal, to bust a child sex trafficking ring that previously bribed its way out of jail.
His team goes deep undercover, posing as predators, and coordinates with local law enforcement to build evidence. Their goal: rescue the kids, arrest the traffickers, and shut it all down without blowing their cover. It’s high-risk and deeply personal.
More Highlights from the Doc
- The Haitian traffickers had already been arrested once but paid bribes and walked free. This second takedown has to be airtight, which is why the team films everything from body cams to hidden GoPros.
- The rescue is coordinated with local Haitian law enforcement, but Ballard’s team leads the undercover work and logistics. This raises all kinds of questions about U.S. citizens leading foreign law enforcement ops.
- After the sting, the rescued kids are taken to safe houses. Tthey get trauma counseling, medical attention, and begin the process of family reunification or long-term care placement.
- The title “Operation Toussaint” is a reference to Haitian revolutionary Toussaint Louverture. Ballard sees the mission as a symbolic new fight against modern slavery.
Cameos & Lesser-Known Details from the Doc
- Tony Robbins and Glenn Beck both bankroll O.U.R. Yes, the life coach and the political pundit. Because they believe in Ballard’s mission. They’re seen in the film showing up to support child rescue operations.
- Ballard’s “jump team” includes ex-Navy SEALs, CIA operatives, and private contractors—none of whom are named, for security reasons. But you see them roleplay as traffickers to gain trust with the criminals.
- The doc briefly touches on Ballard’s Mormon faith and how it drives his sense of purpose. But it’s not the focus, it adds a layer to why he sees this work as spiritual warfare.
- There’s a scene where a trafficker calls the team back after the first meeting, trying to upsell more children. He even says “you’ll like these girls better.” It’s chilling.
- The film mentions that Ballard named the group “Operation Underground Railroad” after Harriet Tubman’s network. He wants to model their international work after that same idea: safe extraction from danger with local help.
Wrap Up:
If you’re looking for a trafficking doc that feels more like an action thriller than a lecture, this one delivers. “Operation Toussaint” is tough to watch but impossible to look away from.
Thanks for reading!
Heather Fenty, Guest Writer, Daily Doc