Our Rescue and Child Rescue Coalition Partner on First Law Enforcement Supported Effort in Europe

On September 23, law enforcement in Târgu Mureș, Romania, carried out an operation that represents the first law enforcement supported action to come directly from the partnership between Our Rescue and Child Rescue Coalition in Europe, marking a milestone for both of our organizations. It started with training.

Credentials are Not Character

A Minnesota case has recently alleged that an assistant county attorney built the corporate structures behind a five-year sex trafficking operation and that the same women who were sold for sex were later billed for as Medicaid clients. The professional standing was not incidental. It gave traffickers access.

Our Rescue Announces New Matching Gift from McGlothlin Family Foundation in Final Days of Rise Up Campaign; Spotlights World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  SALT LAKE CITY – July 24, 2026 – Our Rescue, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to ending human trafficking and child exploitation, today announced a new matching gift campaign of $64,000 that will help boost engagement in the final days of this month’s Rise Up campaign. This is the second matching gift contribution Our Rescue has received this month, a…

Why I Rise Up: A Message from Our Rescue CEO Derek Benner 

Every July, we ask our community to Rise Up in the days leading to World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30 – a global day of awareness, action, and hope. We explain what it entails, how to become part of the movement, and who benefits because you’ve chosen to join the fight against human trafficking and exploitation.  This year, I…

Human Trafficking During Conflict: A Crisis for Women, Peace, and Security  

Our Rescue Perspective: Renata Parras General Counsel, Our Rescue  As of June 2026, the global landscape of conflict has reached a historic high, with more state-based armed conflicts active than at any point since the end of World War II. While major wars in the Middle East and the Ukraine have…

Our Rescue Announces $250,000 July Gift Match to Fight Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SALT LAKE CITY – July 1, 2026 – Our Rescue, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to ending human trafficking and child exploitation, today announced a $250,000 matching gift campaign to support its mission throughout the month of July. Thanks to the generosity of the…

Our Rescue Remembers Board Member James Sweeney 

Our Rescue is saddened to hear of James Sweeney’s passing. A member of our Board of Directors since 2024, James championed our mission to protect children and to support human trafficking survivors, lending his voice, knowledge, and experience to this cause.   James was a kind, thoughtful presence on our board,…

Our Rescue Announces 8 Recipients of the 2026 Survivor Care Impact Grant 

Our Rescue’s Survivor Care program provides Impact Grant for United States based non-profit organizations whose mission aligns with Our Rescue’s commitment to end human trafficking and child exploitation while empowering survivors to reclaim their lives and thrive on their healing journeys.  In support of this mission, Our Rescue’s Survivor Care program works in partnership…

On the Ground in Thailand: DoPA Honors Our Rescue  for Continued Anti-Trafficking Collaboration  

On April 20, 2026, the Department of Provincial Administration (DoPA) in Bangkok, Thailand, held a ceremony to recognize the work happening on the ground to fight crimes of human trafficking and child exploitation in Thailand. Under the country’s Ministry of Interior, DoPA is tasked with maintaining public safety and national security and overseeing civil registration, local governance, and community-level legal enforcement across the country’s 76 provinces.  At the ceremony, DoPA presented commemorative pins…

How Our Rescue Is Supporting Human Trafficking and Child Protection Efforts During the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Large-scale events, like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bring together communities, fans, businesses, and visitors from around the world. With matches taking place across 16 host markets, the World Cup requires extensive planning and coordination among public safety agencies, community organizations, and multidisciplinary partners long before the first match…

Our Rescue Appoints Shawn Henry to Global Nonprofit Board of Directors 

Executive Advisor to the CrowdStrike CEO and Former FBI Executive Assistant Director Brings Extensive Cybersecurity and Investigative Expertise to the Fight Against Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation   MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – June 10, 2026 – Our Rescue, a global nonprofit dedicated to combating human trafficking and child exploitation, today announced the appointment of Shawn Henry, executive advisor to the…

Our Rescue Announces New Partnership with Moldovan National Police 

Our Rescue announces new partnership with Moldovan National Police to combat child exploitation and human trafficking. On May 20, 2026, Our Rescue signed a new formal partnership agreement with Moldovan National Police which will focus on strengthening efforts to fight child exploitation and human trafficking in Moldova.   As part…

Euphoria and Human Trafficking: What the Show Gets Right and Where It Misses the Mark 

By Amy Bruins, Vice President of Community Impact, Our Rescue  Mature Content Warning: This article discusses mature themes portrayed in Euphoria, including addiction, sexual exploitation, coercion, assault, commercial sexual exploitation, forced criminality, and human trafficking.  Euphoria (HBO) has never been a show that shies away from difficult subjects. The series explores complex and often uncomfortable themes…

Law Enforcement and Mental Health: Addressing Trauma in Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) Investigations

By Jim Cole, Senior Advisor for Cyber Strategy and Child Protection, Our Rescue  Published in recognition of National Police Week, May 2026  People ask me, “How do you do it?”  Not my law enforcement colleagues. They already know the answer, or they have their own version…

Denim Day: A Survivor’s Perspective on Healing

June Haskell brings over ten years of experience speaking as a survivor of sex trafficking, domestic violence, childhood trauma and drug endangerment. From policies and programs to events and media, June works as Director of Survivor Engagement at Our Rescue and is a valued and respected resource.

Give with Impact: How the 2026 Tax Law Could Benefit Your Charitable Tax Donations 

For many people, donating to a charity is about more than a tax deduction. It is about supporting the mission of an organization close to their heart and values. At Our Rescue, our donors help protect children and support survivors as they rebuild and move forward in the fight against human trafficking and exploitation.

Our Rescue Joins International Gathering at INTERPOL

Our Rescue is proud to support international efforts to combat online child exploitation through technology innovation and advancement. Thank you to John Trenary, Vice President of Cyber, and Jim Cole, Senior Advisor of Cyber Strategy and Child Protection, for representing Our Rescue. This week in Lyon, France, 78…

Our Rescue Assists Operation Renewed Hope: ESD K9s Provide Comfort for the Heroes in the Fight

Inside DHS’s Cyber Crimes Center (C3) in Fairfax, Virginia, I witnessed firsthand what global collaboration against child exploitation truly looks like when law enforcement officers from around the world gathered for Operation Renewed Hope. This past March, nearly 100 officers from 35 countries worked side by side, creating a…

Large Events and Human Trafficking: A Mardi Gras Case Study

Every year, Mardi Gras brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to New Orleans, filling the city with parades, music, and celebration. Large in-market events like this, often raise questions about whether human trafficking increases as well. The reality is more complex. Human trafficking does not occur only…

Our Rescue Welcomes Internationally Recognized Child Protection Expert Jim Cole

Our Rescue today announced that internationally recognized child exploitation expert Jim Cole has joined as the Senior Advisor, Cyber Strategy & Child Protection. In this role, Cole will focus on strengthening partnerships with law enforcement and accelerating the identification and protection of child victims worldwide.  Cole brings nearly 37 years of experience in government and…

Our Rescue Welcomes Sonny Von Cleveland as Director of Public Engagement and Content

Our Rescue is pleased to welcome Sonny Von Cleveland as Director of Public Engagement and Content, a role designed to support and amplify survivor centered engagement. A nationally recognized advocate, author, speaker, and storyteller, Sonny brings lived experience and a commitment to healing, connection, and dignity. His work focuses…

With Just One Picture: How AI Has Changed Child Exploitation 

In a recent Guardian interview, actress Mara Wilson, beloved for her work as a child actress in movies such as “Matilda,” and “Mrs. Doubtfire,” shared a modern horror story. She discovered that her likeness when she was a child had been used to create AI-generated child sexual abuse material (AIG-CSAM). Her…

 Children at Risk: A Sharp Rise in 2025 Reports of Online Exploitation 

The online world your children explore every day is not a playground, it’s a landscape of evolving threats. Just six months into 2025, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) released data showing a significant increase in reports related to online enticement, financial sextortion, AI-enabled exploitation, and child sex trafficking.  Importantly, NCMEC…

6-7 is Silly, 764 is Deadly: The Rise of Decentralized Online Exploitation Terrorism 

When we think about terrorism, we picture threats aimed at political ideologies or mass casualty attacks. But a new extremist threat is emerging, and it is aimed at our children with the intent to exploit.  This threat is a group called 764, a decentralized terrorist child exploitation network that U.S. law enforcement has described as a highest-priority terrorism threat. Unlike other terrorist networks, 764 does…

Foxwynd Foundation Awards $75,000 Grant to Our Rescue to support Riverside County ICAC Efforts to Combat Child Exploitation

Salt Lake City, UT – Our Rescue, a global nonprofit organization, has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Foxwynd Foundation to advance its mission to end sex trafficking and child exploitation, by supporting the Riverside County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. This grant will support Our Rescue’s regional…

Our Rescue LATAM Participates in the 8th Cybersecurity Seminar Organized by the Chilean Investigative Police 

In October 2025, the Our Rescue LATAM team in Chile, participated in the 8th International Cybersecurity Seminar organized by the Chilean Investigative Police (PDI).   The event brought together experts and representatives from the academic, law enforcement, military, technological, and private sectors to address current challenges in cybersecurity and the fight against cybercrime in Chile and around the world.  …

New Addition to the Interstate Justice Coalition

Our Rescue and its partners in the Interstate Justice Coalition (IJC), Skull Games Solutions and We Fight Monsters, are proud to announce the addition of Operation Light Shine (OLS) as the newest member of the coalition. This partnership expands the reach and impact of multi-state surge operations combating sex…

An Audacious Goal: The Future of Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Forces

If there’s one thing I’ve witnessed over the years during my work for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and now at my current role as CEO of Our Rescue, it’s the realization that the people who dedicate their lives to fighting child sexual exploitation are real life heroes. …

Announcing Operation Global Impact 2025: A Six-Week International Surge Against Human Trafficking 

This fall, Our Rescue is launching Operation Global Impact 2025, a coordinated international surge operation across 10 countries in Latin America, Europe, and Asia.   We expect multiple operations with police partners in the coming weeks to identify and rescue survivors of sex trafficking and child…

Our Rescue announces the formation of “Interstate Justice Coalition” with Skull Games Solutions and We Fight Monsters to power Multi-State Domestic Surge Operations team to combat trafficking.  

Minneapolis, MN —  Our RescueTM, together with two non-profit partners Skull Games Solutions and We Fight Monsters, has announced the launch of a bold new U.S. based initiative, the Interstate Justice Coalition, a nimble multi-agency surge operation designed to support and enhance law enforcement efforts in…

Trailer – Hiding in Plain Sight: America’s Trafficking Epidemic

A dog trained to protect children also saved my own life

By Chaz Balogh, Our Rescue ESD K9 Program Relationship Manager  A highly trained, excitable and lovable detective named Spike saved my life. I don’t say that lightly. He brought me back to life, really, giving me a new purpose and rejuvenating my career in my lifelong mission to…

The Cases We Carry

 A National Police Week Message from Our Rescue CEO Derek Benner All of us who are serving or have served in law enforcement have peered into some of the darkest corners of humanity—investigating human trafficking, child exploitation, gang violence, cartel crimes, narcotics smuggling, illicit financial schemes, and fraud…

Arctic Quest: 8,000-Mile Motorcycle Ride Honors Indigenous Women and Girls  Our Rescue, Mental Health Tech Company and First Nations Advocate Unite to Raise Awareness and Funds for Trafficking Survivors  

Minneapolis, MN (May 2, 2025) – To mark National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls on May 5, Our Rescue, a global non-governmental organization dedicated to combating sex trafficking and child exploitation, is partnering with First Nations advocate Esther Howard from the…

Our Rescue Elects Two New Board Members  

Leaders Bring Expertise in Homeland Security and Fortune 500 Global Operations   Minneapolis, MN (April 17, 2025) – Our Rescue, a global non-governmental organization dedicated to combating sex trafficking and child exploitation, announces the appointment of two distinguished leaders to its Board of Directors: Jim…

From Darkness to Light: The New Our Rescue

One year ago, I took on the opportunity of a lifetime as Our Rescue’s new CEO. I accepted this pivotal role with one goal: to transform the organization as a leading partner in the mission to end sex trafficking and child exploitation.   I said ‘yes’ because I saw…

A ‘Survivor-Centered Prosecutor’ Helps Transform Justice System as a Champion for Sex Trafficking Survivors 

A “Survivor-Centered Prosecutor” Helps Transform Justice System as Champion for Sex-Trafficking Survivors  Assistant Criminal District Attorney Lindy Borchardt, of Tarrant County, Texas, sets the gold standard for what we champion at Our Rescue: to be the light in the darkness in the fight against human trafficking.  Lindy,…

Our Rescue Marks International Women’s Day with Comedy for a Cause to Raise Awareness of Sex Trafficking and Child Exploitation 

Survivor and Stand-Up Comedian Marti MacGibbon to Headline Event   Minneapolis, MN, (January 28, 2025) – Our Rescue, a global non-governmental organization dedicated to combating sex trafficking and child exploitation, is marking International Women’s Day with “Comedy for a Cause: Shining the Light in the…

Our Rescue CEO Tammy Lee Joins National Podcast to Discuss Combating Human Trafficking in Short-Term Rentals 

Human trafficking is happening everywhere, including in all 50 U.S. states, and short-term rental properties are not immune. Our Rescue CEO Tammy Lee joined the “Short Term Rental Secrets” podcast to discuss how this pervasive issue can infiltrate communities in unexpected ways. Short-term rentals are typically homes and apartments rented…

Our Rescue Awards $100,000 in Grants to Texas-based Nonprofits Focused on Fighting Sex Trafficking and Child Exploitation 

Texas ranks second highest state in U.S. for reported human trafficking cases  Grants are part of Our Rescue’s “Join the Fight” educational campaign to observe National Human Trafficking Prevention Month this January  Minneapolis, MN, [January 14, 2025] – Our Rescue, a global non-governmental…

Our Rescue Awards $60,000 in Grants to Minnesota-based Nonprofits Focused on Fighting Sex Trafficking and Child Exploitation 

Grants are part of Our Rescue’s “Join the Fight” educational campaign to observe National Human Trafficking Prevention Month this January  Minneapolis, MN, [January 15, 2025] – Our Rescue, a global non-governmental organization dedicated to combating sex trafficking and child exploitation, awarded a $50,000 grant to…

Our Rescue Awards $260,000 in Grants to Nonprofits Across U.S. Focused on Fighting Sex Trafficking and Child Exploitation 

Grants are part of Our Rescue’s “Join the Fight” educational campaign to mark National Human Trafficking Prevention Month this January  Minneapolis, MN, [January 14, 2025] – Our Rescue, a global non-governmental organization committed to fighting sex trafficking and child exploitation, has awarded $260,000 in grants to…

11 Ways to Join the Fight™ in January 

January 11 is a call to action: join our fight to eradicate sex trafficking and child exploitation here and everywhere. To mark National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in the United States, we are shining a light on the global disgrace of human trafficking and inviting you to join as…

OUR Rescue Announces New Leadership Team Members to Expand its Global Mission and Impact

Former Leader of Homeland Security Investigations Derek Benner Joins as Chief Mission Officer MINNEAPOLIS (DEC. 19, 2024) – OUR Rescue, a global non-governmental organization (NGO) that partners to rescue and support survivors of sex trafficking and child exploitation, today announced the appointments of seven new members to…

Our Rescue helps bring police partners together to dismantle sex trafficking ring and rescue survivors

Sex trafficking is a worldwide crime against women and children. Predators often form sophisticated networks to transport unsuspecting victims across international borders and then trap them in a life of sexual servitude.  Stopping these sex traffickers requires a coalition of organizations from different countries working together. That’s where…

Our Rescue’s 2024 Highlights: A Year of Impact 

As 2024 draws to a close, Our Rescue is deeply grateful for your contribution in the fight to end sex trafficking and child exploitation. Every milestone reflects the dedication of our team, partners, donors, and supporters worldwide. Together, we’ve made strides to protect the vulnerable, support survivors, and bring…

Give to the Max to End Sex Trafficking

Hello all,  We recently announced some exciting news: Our Rescue headquarters is moving to Minnesota.  The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are recognized for supporting a vibrant nonprofit sector, backed by a very generous philanthropic community. Minnesota also has a strong existing ecosystem of nonprofits…

A Veterans Day Message

Today, we proudly honor the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. Their unwavering commitment to protect and serve inspires us every day, and we are especially grateful for the veterans who are part of our team at OUR Rescue. We’re privileged to have individuals like Lance Lueck,…

Sextortion: A crime against innocence

As a mom who worried everyday about my daughter’s online safety when she was a tweener and teen, I can finally breathe easier now that she is an adult.  To all the parents and caring adults out there, we want to help you breathe easier as well. Throughout…

Standing Together Against Exploitation 

by Tammy Lee, CEO of OUR Rescue    Eight months ago, I became the CEO of OUR Rescue. I’m launching this blog to create a space where we can have candid discussions about the challenges we face in combating sex trafficking and child exploitation. I hope that, together, we…

OUR Rescue is Moving Global Headquarters to Minneapolis

Move from Salt Lake City will Accelerate U.S. Expansion Plans for 2025 in the Fight to End Sex Trafficking and Child Exploitation Salt Lake City [October 28, 2024] — OUR Rescue, a global nonprofit dedicated to combating sex trafficking and child exploitation, announced plans to move its global…

OUR Rescue Appoints Five New Members to Board of Directors  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  OUR Rescue Appoints Five New Members to Board of Directors New board members bring specialized expertise to guide the organization’s continued transformation and mission to end sex trafficking and child exploitation SALT LAKE CITY [SEPT. 10, 2024] – OUR Rescue, a Salt Lake…

The Truth Behind Sound of Freedom

With your newfound awareness gained from the film, knowing accurate information about child exploitation and human trafficking is the next step to effectively fight this unimaginable crime.

More Than a Dog: Rosco’s Impact

Dogs are often described as “man’s best friend” because they provide unconditional love to their families and those around them.  Rosco, a 2-year-old labrador retriever, fits that description perfectly. However, he is no ordinary dog. He works to keep children safe by fighting back against predators seeking to…

The Real Person Behind the Character “Giselle” in the Film “Sound of Freedom” and the Story of Her Arrest

In 2014, O.U.R. conducted its biggest rescue operation to date. It was called Operation Triple Take, with three operations in three different Colombian cities to rescue victims of sex trafficking.