As I walked out of the movie theater with my wife, Haley, after watching “Sound of Freedom,” my mind returned to the powerful rallying cry of the film: “God’s children are not for sale.”

The movie is based on the actions of former Department of Homeland Security investigator Tim Ballard, played by actor Jim Caviezel, who detailed the horrors of the modern form of slavery known as human trafficking.

Human trafficking is an evil that often preys on the most vulnerable in our society, our children.

As vice chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, I hear and see more than the average American does about the horrors depicted in “Sound of Freedom.”

I knew these horrors existed. I knew children were exploited. But seeing “Sound of Freedom” was a powerful reminder of those directly affected by these heinous crimes.

Not long after seeing the movie, I had the opportunity to hear directly from the real Ballard on his experience combating human trafficking. To look into the eyes of a man who had fought and seen these horrors firsthand—who had sacrificed so much to bring about justice and awareness of this evil— reminded me of the humanity of each person Ballard has rescued.

Ballard is a true hero. His story spans more than a movie. His story brings humanity to the border crisis.

For those who live far from our southern border, the border crisis can seem a world away. But Ballard has helped bring the border crisis home for many of us. As a father, seeing children torn from their families made real to me a horror that no parent ever should have to experience.

I’ve served on the Homeland Security Committee since I came to Congress, focusing on the issues surrounding the southern border. Border security shouldn’t be a partisan issue. The border crisis affects all Americans, and human trafficking is amplified because of it. 

I can specify numbers and explain facts, but sharing a story has an incredibly powerful effect.

“Sound of Freedom” and the testimony of Tim Ballard do just that. The stories of those who have been rescued from human trafficking must be told.

Unlike most of us who wake up each morning to our daily routine, victims of human trafficking wake up each morning with a horrible reality that will affect them for the rest of their lives.

The Bible tells us in the book of Psalms that children are a gift of God and also a reward from Him. These gifts from God must be protected and defended from harm.

And although “Sound of Freedom” highlights a success story in which children were returned to their families, how many parents go to bed at night wondering whether their children are alive and they ever will see them again?

Securing our border is important for the safety and livelihoods of those who have been sold or will be sold into modern-day slavery. We can’t let these atrocities continue.

I ask all Americans to unite behind the issue of ending human trafficking in our country and around the world.

God’s children are not for sale. This should be the rallying cry of all Americans. Join in and be a part of the story that ends human trafficking in the United States.

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