The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) recently disclosed the outcomes of multiple human trafficking mitigation and rescue operations conducted throughout January 2024, in observance of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. According to DPS Director Steven McCraw, "Human trafficking continues to pose a major threat to the safety of our communities." He emphasized the importance of vigilance among Texans to combat this heinous crime.
During the operations, 52 trafficking victims, including nine children, were rescued in various cities across the state, such as Dallas, Houston, and Midland. One particular operation in Dallas involved the recovery of a juvenile victim involved in sex trafficking. The victim was found at a local fast-food establishment and subsequently taken to a hospital for evaluation and medical services.
In Houston, DPS Special Agents participated in operations targeting juvenile victims of human trafficking. In one such operation, 11 individuals were recovered, with four victims making outcries of being trafficked or sexually assaulted. Another operation in Houston led to the recovery of 14 human trafficking victims, including confirmed juveniles, and the arrest of three suspected male traffickers.
The DPS highlighted the devastating impacts of human trafficking on victims and communities, urging Texans to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. They provided a list of possible indicators of human trafficking for the public to watch out for, such as signs of control by another person, lack of awareness of surroundings, untreated illnesses, inappropriate clothing, and unusual working conditions.
Individuals who suspect human trafficking are urged to call 911 immediately or make an anonymous report through iWatchTexas or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. The DPS emphasized the importance of not endangering oneself or others by intervening in potentially dangerous situations related to human trafficking.
The department's efforts in combating human trafficking underscore the ongoing commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals and eradicating this form of modern-day slavery.
