Human trafficking is an issue that has been thrust into the local spotlight. This is due to a new movie that hit theaters in early July but is coming to our local theaters in early August. Sound of Freedom depicts Jim Caviezel as Tim Ballard, a former U.S. Department of Homeland Security agent who rescues children from trafficking in Colombia. The Sound of Freedom misses the harsh reality of human trafficking that hits closer to home than most are aware of.
While I do not question the fact that it is vital to highlight the real threat of human trafficking and the repercussions it causes, the sensationalized and misleading tactics used in the film do more harm than good when it comes to bringing awareness to the issue at hand. Operation Underground Railroad, real-life Tim Ballard’s organization, released this statement in regards to the events depicted in the film:
“At the first of the film, it shows security camera footage of several different kidnappings. This is real footage, and while this type of human trafficking exists, it isn't the majority. When we hear the phrase “sex trafficking,” our minds often picture dusty, dark alleyways in foreign countries where orphaned children from the streets are kidnapped, exploited, and sold. And that is a horrific reality, but it is also important to understand that sex trafficking is not just a foreign issue, but an acute domestic concern within the United States that is ever-increasing.
According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, human trafficking has been reported in all 50 states (NCMEC, 2022). Predators are soccer coaches and trusted teachers, neighbors across the street, uncles and aunts.
The film also depicts children in shipping containers. It is important to note that Hollywood took creative license in portraying the different ways that children can be trafficked. While cases exist where children are transported in various vehicles, most trafficking happens through a manipulative grooming process. “Sound of Freedom” illustrates this well in the child modeling scenes where children (and sometimes their parents) are led to believe that they can make money by modeling, receive food if they come to their house, or receive love if they become the trafficker’s boyfriend/girlfriend – and it ends in sexual exploitation or trafficking. It is vital for parents, young adults, teens, and children to know the signs of grooming so they can recognize when someone may have ill intent.”
U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley states in a newsletter addressing the issue of human trafficking, “The U.S. Department of Homeland Security estimates annual global profits of $150 billion, victimizing approximately 25 million people, with 80% forced labor and 20% sex trafficking.” Senator Grassley has recently done work to reauthorize the long ago passed Trafficking Victims Protection Act. “The updates are designed to improve training and outreach to law enforcement and high-risk youth to detect human trafficking. It supports wrap-around services and trauma-informed resources for survivors, such as housing, counseling, medical and court advocacy, to help victims seek justice and help reclaim their dignity and freedom.”
While I have no doubt that children and adults are stolen by creepy men waiting in the shadows, by only highlighting the sensationalized warning signs of trafficking we are missing the real warning signs. Trafficking, sexual and forced labor, is more likely to happen to an outcast, homeless teen being led into the local trafficking trade with a promise of a warm meal and home. Someone who is already a victim of circumstance is easier for predators to take advantage of. The film leaves out the modern online techniques predators use as well. Research from the University of Southern California found that online classified sites are used to post advertisements of victims, social networking was used to recruit victims, and investigations into online trafficking crimes begin with a picture of what appears to be an underage girl. A number of the victims within the study were found to have been identified as runaways.
Kassi Cunningham from Crisis Intervention Services of Wright County spoke with me briefly about the real events of trafficking in our area. “The most common type of trafficking that we have worked with in the area is labor trafficking, within the agricultural, construction and other skilled trade work. Our organization has also worked with individuals/families impacted by sex trafficking. Generally, sex trafficking receives more media attention and awareness, especially when children and teens are victimized.” While the organization has not noticed an uptick in donations or volunteers due to the film bringing trafficking issues to light, they feel the film starts an important conversation. “When people start talking, the next step (hopefully) is that people will start noticing what is happening next door, down the street, or across town.”
However entertaining, the rescue mission depicted in Sound of Freedom is unrealistic. Frontline workers like social workers, crisis intervention workers, or police officers apply the good practices of the Do No Harm approach through the process of identifying a threat and carrying out the proper protocol to remedy the situation. This process ensures the victim is not put in a more harmful, traumatic experience. The Clarion police department is trained extensively to spot human sexual and labor trafficking. In our area, most of those who are victims of trafficking are from a Latino background. Language and cultural influence can be a further deterrent for victims seeking help. People of all backgrounds and ethnicities can be a victim of trafficking and are often psychologically abused and unable to come forward. While Assistant Chief Thompson from Clarion Police Department, who I spoke to for this article, has never participated in an actual trafficking investigation, he is aware that they take years to complete and are done with the utmost care. Furthermore, Assistant Chief Thompson with the Clarion Police Department states, “Human trafficking of all kinds is not talked about enough.” Thompson, like Cunningham, considers this movie an important one because it starts the conversation.
The Department of Homeland Security states that human trafficking occurs right under our noses as we go about our daily lives. Homeland Security also states the best defense against these types of crimes is education. If you’re going to see the Sound of Freedom with expectations to educate yourself and help defend those at risk, you’re better to sign up for the Blue Campaign Newsletter. The Blue Campaign is a national public awareness campaign to educate the public and other industry partners to recognize the indicators of human trafficking and how to respond to those cases. Another organization of note is the McCain Institute, the nonpartisan organization that was inspired by Senator John McCain and “are committed to driving systemic change and implementing comprehensive, action-based solutions to prevent and end all forms of modern slavery.” They offer robust training and education for all.
The Clarion and Belmond theater has received donations from area churches, the republican party, and Representative Mark Thompson to give free admission to those who attend the Sound of Freedom during their town’s showing. Representative Thompson plans to speak at Clarion’s showing. The bottom line is that human trafficking is a real problem. Hollywood might benefit from glamorized depictions of human trafficking but real victims benefit from your education. If you see something, say something.
For services in Iowa, contact the Iowa Helpline at 1-800-770-1650 or text "IOWAHELP" to 20121. Confidential information may be reported around the clock to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. To report a tip or request a referral for crisis-related services, Iowans may call toll-free (888) 373-7888 or text BEFREE (233733). If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. To donate to Crisis Intervention Services in Wright County please reach out to the organization at 641-424-9133.
