Watch Operation Toussaint
- 2018
- 1 hr 21 min
Operation Toussaint is a gripping documentary recounting the efforts of a team of ex-US Navy SEALs led by Tim Ballard and his non-profit organization, Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.), to rescue hundreds of children from sex trafficking in Haiti. The film was released in 2018 and stars Tim Ballard as himself, along with renowned business strategist Tony Robbins.
The film begins by introducing Tim Ballard, a former Homeland Security investigator, who left his government job to set up O.U.R. The initial focus of his organization is to investigate and dismantle sex trafficking rings across the world, with particular emphasis on rescuing children. Ballard then meets Tony Robbins, who introduces him to the case of the fate of the missing children in Haiti.
The documentary shifts its focus to the poverty-stricken and politically unstable nation of Haiti, where tens of thousands of children are victims of sex trafficking. Haiti is a central hub for traffickers, and the easy availability of children makes it a prime destination for buyers from across the world. Ballard and his team are ordered to conduct a rescue mission in Haiti, a risky operation in which they seek to infiltrate trafficker networks and extract the children. The rescue mission is codenamed âOperation Toussaintâ after the leader of the Haitian revolution, Toussaint LâOuverture.
The documentary provides insight into the vast network of sex trafficking rings in Haiti, the way they operate, and how they avoid detection. Ballard leads his team through a series of covert operations, investigating the networks that operate in Haiti. The team identifies traffickers, pimps, and buyers, establishing evidence to prosecute them under international law. The situations they find themselves in are extremely dangerous, one scene shows Ballard in a tight spot in the backseat of a trafficker's car.
The severity of the situation is portrayed powerfully, with several interviews with former sex trafficking victims. These interviews give a glimpse into the horrors of sex trafficking and how it affects its victims. The scenes are emotionally charged and revealing, providing a glimpse into the courage of victims who have overcome immense adversity. Ballard's team risks everything to bring these victims home.
In addition to the rescues, Operation Toussaint also highlights the challenges that Ballard and his team faced from corrupt government officials who threatened to derail the mission. They were also faced with potentially deadly situations like difficult terrain, dangerous traffickers armed with guns, and the extreme poverty that Haitans face.
The story unfolds in a suspenseful yet emotionally engaging way, with each rescue mission portrayed with raw authenticity. The movie showcases Ballard's leadership and dedication to the mission, along with the sacrifices and risks his team takes. The film does not shy away from the gravity of the issue and highlights the need for increased awareness and action towards ending sex trafficking.
In conclusion, Operation Toussaint offers a harrowing glimpse into the reality of sex trafficking in Haiti and the dire need to rescue its innocent victims. The film documents a landmark moment in the fight against child trafficking and offers hope that such battles can be won. This documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in stories of survival, leadership, and the pursuit of justice.
Operation Toussaint is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes.