The month of January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Human trafficking is recognized as the world’s fastest-growing criminal enterprise, generating an estimated $150 billion annually. This includes various forms such as sex trafficking, forced labor, domestic servitude, begging rings, organ removal, and forced marriages. Annually, between 14,500 and 17,500 victims are trafficked into the United States.
Child trafficking refers to the exploitation of children for profit. It encompasses the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of individuals under the age of 18 for the purpose of exploitation. The most prevalent form of child trafficking is commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). Some young victims are marketed for sex on street corners or in clubs, while others are advertised online. Additionally, some are exploited for profit within their own homes.
Traffickers often target children as young as nine years old. They typically reach minors through social media, after-school programs, malls, bus stations, clubs, and through acquaintances who recruit students on school campuses.
In January, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging Texans to remain vigilant and educate themselves about the dangers of human trafficking as part of Human Trafficking Prevention Month. DPS has the responsibility for overseeing the state’s efforts to combat human trafficking. Through its Human Trafficking Program, special agents within the department’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID) collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies in Texas and other states to identify, investigate, disrupt, and dismantle major human trafficking operations.
DPS Special Agents adopt a victim-centered approach in their efforts, emphasizing the importance of identifying, recovering, ensuring the safety of, and stabilizing victims, alongside investigating and prosecuting traffickers. In fiscal year 2024, DPS Special Agents recovered 446 victims of human trafficking and arrested an additional 874 suspects on related charges.
Public awareness is crucial for preventing and combating human trafficking since these operations often disguise themselves as legitimate businesses in visible areas. Traffickers commonly exploit the vulnerabilities of high-risk populations, such as individuals experiencing homelessness, juvenile runaways, those with a history of drug use, individuals from difficult or abusive home environments, and those with language barriers or reasons to avoid law enforcement.
“Human trafficking is a heinous crime that preys on the most vulnerable in our society,” said Colonel Freeman F. Martin. “We are committed to working tirelessly with our partners to identify and rescue victims, hold traffickers accountable and empower our communities with the knowledge they need to recognize and report suspicious activity. It will take all of us to stop it.”
DPS reminds Texans to remain observant of their communities and take note of the following possible indicators of human trafficking:
- A person appears to be under control of another person either physically (someone else controls the person’s possessions i.e., ID, money, phone) or psychologically (little to no eye contact, unable to speak for themselves or unable to make simple decisions without approval).
- A person has little to no awareness of their surroundings including where they are or where they are headed.
- A person has untreated illness or infection, visible injuries, appears malnourished or sleep deprived.
- A person’s clothing is inappropriate for the weather or environment or is dressed in a manner that does not appear age appropriate or makes them appear older.
- A person is being transported to and from work by their employer.
- A person lives where they work or works excessively long or unusual hours.
- A person’s workplace has security measures that are unusual or excessive for the type of business (i.e., boarded or opaque windows, excessive security cameras).
The presence of an indicator alone does not confirm the occurrence of human trafficking; however, a combination of indicators and their context may suggest human trafficking is taking place, pending a law enforcement investigation. You are encouraged to report any suspicions.
If you see signs of human trafficking, call 911 immediately and provide as many details as possible. You can also make a report on iWatchTexas or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Alternatively, you can text “BeFree” to 233733.
Remember: do not put yourself or others in danger by intervening or confronting someone you suspect may be involved in human trafficking.
