The History of Our Rescue: Fighting Human Trafficking One Mission at a Time

What Is Our Rescue?

Our Rescue (formerly known as Operation Underground Railroad, or O.U.R.) is a non-profit organization dedicated to combating human trafficking and child sexual exploitation worldwide. Through undercover operations, partnerships with local and international law enforcement, and the use of specialized tools — including dogs trained to detect electronic devices — Our Rescue works tirelessly to identify traffickers, rescue victims, and bring perpetrators to justice.

The Legacy of the Original Underground Railroad

To understand the spirit behind Our Rescue's original name, we must look back to one of history's most courageous freedom movements: the Underground Railroad.

The Underground Railroad was a secret network of safe houses, routes, and abolitionists that helped enslaved people escape to freedom in the northern United States and Canada throughout the 19th century. It was not a railroad at all — but a lifeline, built on courage, solidarity, and an unshakeable belief in human dignity.

Perhaps no figure embodies that spirit more powerfully than Harriet Tubman. Born into slavery around 1822, Tubman escaped in 1849 and went on to make an estimated 19 or more rescue trips back into the South — risking her life each time — to guide more than 300 people to freedom. Her selfless dedication, strategic brilliance, and fearless compassion made her one of the most celebrated freedom fighters in American history.

"I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger." — Harriet Tubman

Tubman's legacy is a testament to what one person, driven by moral conviction, can accomplish against overwhelming odds. It is this same spirit — of going into dangerous places to bring the vulnerable home — that inspired the founding of Operation Underground Railroad in 2013.

The Founding: Operation Underground Railroad (2013)

The organization was founded in 2013 by Tim Ballard, a former Special Agent with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security who spent over a decade working on Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) cases and overseas sex tourism investigations. Drawing on his government experience, Ballard assembled a team of former operatives to conduct sting operations in countries where law enforcement resources were limited.

The organization's early work gained widespread public attention when it inspired the 2023 film Sound of Freedom, which dramatized some of its founding rescue missions.

Mission & Methods

Our Rescue partners with local and international law enforcement agencies to:

• Conduct undercover sting operations targeting traffickers
• Rescue victims of all ages and backgrounds — babies, children, teenagers, adults, men, and women
• Utilize K-9 units trained to detect hidden electronic devices used by traffickers
• Place rescued victims in rehabilitation centers where they can begin the healing process
• Assist in the prosecution of traffickers through evidence gathering and collaboration with authorities

A New Chapter: Rebranding to Our Rescue

In 2023, Tim Ballard departed from the organization amid serious allegations of misconduct. Following his exit, the organization underwent significant leadership and structural changes, ultimately rebranding from Operation Underground Railroad to Our Rescue — signaling a renewed commitment to its mission under new leadership.

Our Rescue has continued its operations, maintaining partnerships with law enforcement and advocacy organizations around the world. The organization has reported rescuing thousands of victims since its founding, though it has also faced scrutiny regarding its impact reporting and fundraising practices — areas the new leadership has committed to addressing with greater transparency.

Why It Matters

From Harriet Tubman guiding freedom seekers through the dark of night, to modern operatives working alongside law enforcement to dismantle trafficking networks — the thread is the same: a refusal to look away from injustice, and a willingness to act.

Human trafficking is one of the most pervasive human rights crises of our time, affecting millions of people globally. Organizations like Our Rescue play a critical role in bridging the gap between awareness and action — working on the ground where the need is greatest, and advocating for survivors long after the rescue is complete.

At Primrose Signature Boutique, we believe in supporting causes that protect the vulnerable and uplift communities. We are proud to shine a light on the important work being done by organizations like Our Rescue — and to honor the legacy of those, like Harriet Tubman, who came before.