Hsin Wei Chen and Foot Reflexology Star in Houston has been shut down by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) on suspicion of a connection with human trafficking through the business. 

The six month emergency closure was the first of its kind, authorized by House Bill 3579, which was passed in the 88th Legislative session. The legislation, written by State Rep. Ben Bumgarner, permits the TDLR to shut down establishments if they or law enforcement have reason to believe that human trafficking is occurring at the business. 

"Human traffickers belong behind bars, and their victims deserve a chance at a new life," Bumgarner said. "As a husband and father, seeing this legislation make a difference means everything to me. I pledge to work hand in hand with TDLR and law enforcement to bring sex and human traffickers to justice."

TDLR saw signs that indicated human trafficking during a recent inspection of the business, located at 10801 Spring Cypress Road, Suite 12. The TDLR has a previous case for similar conduct with the owner of the massage business. 

 “TDLR employees are on the front lines in the fight against human trafficking in Texas, and we are grateful to the Texas Legislature for giving us this additional tool to help stop trafficking whenever we see it,” TDLR Interim Director Brian Francis said. “For too long, human traffickers have been able to hide what they’ve been doing in massage establishments. But now, with this law in place, we will work with our local law enforcement partners to take the fight to these traffickers and root out these destructive crimes against vulnerable people.”