Agents from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), along with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, conducted a joint operation at a Houston-area bar. The action followed an investigation into allegations of prostitution and human trafficking.
The operation took place at Fridas Sports Bar, located at 2217 McCarty Street, involving more than 30 agents. During the raid, TABC victim services coordinators interviewed 25 potential human trafficking victims found in the establishment.
"This operation resulted from weeks of investigation into alleged criminal activity taking place at the bar," stated TABC Chairman Kevin J. Lilly. "Let there be no mistake: Illegal conduct has no place in a TABC-licensed business, and we will continue to take action against any bad actors who think they can use a legitimate business as a front for their crimes."
TABC Executive Director Thomas Graham emphasized the agency's commitment to helping potential victims of human trafficking. "TABC’s victim services coordinators are experts at talking to individuals who have been victimized by organized crime," he said. "Our goal is, first and foremost, to remove them from danger and to connect them with the resources they need, from medical help to counseling."
The investigation involved weeks of evidence-gathering and collaboration among TABC and its partners across local, state, and federal levels. These partnerships are essential for ensuring public safety, according to Lilly.
"This success wouldn’t have been possible without the outstanding work and support of our partners at all levels of government," he added. "Public safety is, by nature, a joint effort. Coordinating our efforts and supporting our partner agencies are crucial to working efficiently toward a safer Texas."
Fridas Sports Bar remains under ongoing criminal and administrative investigations by TABC, HSI, FBI, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
Chris Porter
