AUSTIN (AP) — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) unveiled the outcomes of numerous human trafficking mitigation and rescue operations conducted throughout January 2024, aligning with National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
In a month-long effort, Special Agents from DPS' Criminal Investigations Division (CID), in collaboration with local and federal partners, executed 12 operations targeting human trafficking. The concerted endeavors culminated in the liberation of 52 trafficking victims, among whom were nine minors.
"Human trafficking remains a significant menace to the well-being of our communities," stated DPS Director Steven McCraw. "These abhorrent deeds occur in every state, every day, often escaping notice, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance among Texans to disrupt this vicious cycle."
The operations, aimed at mitigating and rescuing victims of human trafficking, spanned various cities across the state, including Dallas, Houston, and Midland.
In one instance, DPS Special Agents collaborated with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to extricate a juvenile victim ensnared in sex trafficking in the north Texas vicinity. Responding to a location near Dallas, law enforcement located the victim at a local fast-food establishment after combing through several hotels and apartments. The juvenile victim received medical attention at a nearby hospital.
Another operation, based in Houston and coordinated by DPS Special Agents as part of a multi-agency initiative hosted by TABC, focused on identifying juvenile victims of human trafficking through online solicitations for sexual activity. The operation resulted in the recovery of four victims, with 11 individuals detained, four of whom made outcries as victims of human trafficking and/or sexual assault.
Furthermore, a victim recovery operation in Houston yielded the recovery of 14 human trafficking victims, including four juveniles. In a multi-day endeavor targeting juvenile victims via online solicitations for sexual activity, DPS Special Agents, alongside partner agencies, arrested three suspected male traffickers and eight individuals for solicitation of prostitution.
Human trafficking inflicts profound harm on victims and communities. DPS urges Texans to remain vigilant and report potential indicators immediately to authorities, including:
- A person seemingly under the control of another, either physically or psychologically.
- Lack of awareness of surroundings or signs of physical distress.
- Inappropriate clothing or working conditions.
- Unusual security measures at workplaces.
While the presence of these indicators does not confirm human trafficking, their combination and context may suggest trafficking, pending law enforcement investigation.
If signs of human trafficking are observed, individuals are advised to contact 911 promptly or make an anonymous report via iWatchTexas. Additionally, the National Human Trafficking Hotline can be reached at 1-888-373-7888 or via text at 233733 with the message "BeFree." It's essential not to endanger oneself or others by intervening in suspected trafficking situations if it's unsafe to do so.
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