Houston human trafficking. org –Offers live, in person training.

Houston human trafficking Carr, a licensed professional counselor who works with human trafficking survivors in Houston. Texas has the second-most reported trafficking cases in the country, behind California. The growth of technology has provided numerous tools to human traffickers, increasing the challenges faced by law enforcement and advocate organizations. Houston is one of the main hubs of trafficking within the United States. Human trafficking victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality. A Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence A consortium led by the University of Houston. Learn more about the issue of sex trafficking by viewing our online resource. Human trafficking in numbers. Chapter 28 of the Code of Ordinances requires hotels to: Train all their employees on both sex and labor trafficking We believe it is essential for the community to understand, identify and be able to effectively respond to human trafficking so that no one falls through the cracks. Myth: Human trafficking is only sex trafficking. Investigations reveal 84 potential human trafficking victims. [25] The West End Church in the Heights proudly presents the 5th annual "Fight for Freedom Collaborative". This unit is responsible for investigating and combating all aspects of Human Trafficking in and around Houston, whether in the sex industry, or forced labor, including both domestic and international trafficking. Houston is considered a major hub for all forms of human trafficking. RELATED: Combatting human trafficking in the Houston area “I stayed silent for about 20 years until I decided to come forward. Jennifer Hohman, Chief Information and Technology Officer at Baker Construction by day, has made it her mission to combat this crime through her dedicated efforts and entities, yes, entities plural, in her personal life. El Flamingo Club, 3715 Aldine Mail Rt. We are motivated by our faith in Jesus and we are passionate about mobilizing the global Church to fight human trafficking. Role of Technology in Combating Human Trafficking. -Mexico border, and the fact that its interstate connects to several major cities on both coasts, may be the reason why so many cases of human trafficking have been reported there. Dallas and Houston having a large population of Southeast Asian immigrants have helped made the state a prime destination for these traffickers. She shares her survival story from being lured into becoming a trafficking victim at 15 to how a polic Congressman Morgan Luttrell and Congressman Chris Deluzio have introduced the Empowering Law Enforcement to Fight Sex Trafficking Demand Act in an effort to combat human trafficking. 2025 CONFERENCE TO COMBAT HUMAN TRAFFICKING. This educational program aims to increase awareness and enhance the understanding of human trafficking and its profound impact on individuals and communities. Shauna Dunlap, left, special agent Houston office of the FBI, shown with Ruben Perez, assistant United States Attorney Chief, civil rights/human trafficking unit, in a second floor room where Tackling Human Trafficking in Houston and Harris County. You can also text BeFree (233733). Our hope is to share the love of Christ and help survivors find safety, empowerment, and freedom. S. For more information about the methodology behind these maps, please contact Demand Disruption directly at specialist@demanddisruption. During the news conference, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said, "For those operating these human trafficking criminal organizations, we're coming after you. The primary program is their daily open Drop-in Center located on Bissonnet where people trapped in the life can drop in for a meal, clothing, and necessities. Phase 2 was issued as we neared completion of phase 1. Mr. Need for a municipal response According to Houston Police, in 2024 Houston saw a nearly 30% increase in human trafficking cases compared to 2023 numbers. We love to speak to civic organizations, religious groups, service fraternities, Human trafficking is a pervasive and complex issue that plagues cities around the world, including Houston. • What is Human Trafficking? –Vignette defining human trafficking, red flags, types of trafficking, etc. Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence Houston Awareness. Houston Human Trafficking Charges Lawyer. This is what the article says about what the reasons may be: "Why is human trafficking so common in Houston? The city of Houston’s proximity to the U. According to the City of Houston, Houston Airports continues to lead a crucial conversation aimed at raising awareness about the pervasive issue of human trafficking within the Houston community. For an informed benchmark of trafficking in Texas, see “Human Trafficking by the Numbers: The Initial Benchmark of Prevalence and Economic Impact for Texas” (University of Texas at Austin, December 2016). Unfortunately, awareness is not growing. Drivers in Texas have the option to purchase the “Stop Human Trafficking” specialty license plate directly from the TxDMV. The HTU will work closely with the federal task forces on human trafficking as well as the City and County Legal Departments, Harris Because Houston is considered a hub for human trafficking, the issue has gained significant awareness in the city, said Ann Johnson, former human trafficking prosecutor in Harris County. Meet the Vice/HTU Officers Not only are city and county agencies working tirelessly in Houston to combat human trafficking, but local non-profit organizations and law enforcement agencies are also coming together in new and innovative ways. English and Spanish . Nissi Hamilton is a survivor of Human Trafficking. Human trafficking is a prominent issue in Houston with no socioeconomic barriers, yet many philanthropic Houstonians are aware of it but not engaged with it. One collaboration that is working to identify and eradicate human trafficking is the Houston Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA). In 2015, the city of Houston’s Area Council on Human Trafficking began raising awareness, connecting survivors with recovery resources, and cracking down and prosecuting those known to be traffickers, but gaps remain in the system. Secondly, we began "Ending the Game" classes. In August 2024, city leaders said the strategies helped lower human trafficking cases in the area by 71 percent, prostitution by 80 percent, and the purchasing of prostitution by 98 percent. This process of identifying our advantages is embodied in phase 1 and phase 2 of the City of Houston’s Anti-Human Trafficking Strategic Plan. Paola Reyes, the outreach and training program director at the Houston chapter of Unbound Now, a national nonprofit fighting human trafficking in the U. . Our Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence Strategic Plan provides solutions that the Mayor’s Office is best suited to implement while supporting the existing eco-system of anti-trafficking Ten human traffickers were arrested during the operation, including four documented gang members and six gang associates. Henry is excited to be working in the anti-human trafficking space here in Houston, Texas. Texas law enforcement officials are on the lookout for human trafficking in the Houston area. 28 through Sept. More than 80 potential victims of human trafficking were rescued from nine Houston-area nightclubs last week after a joint operation between state and local law enforcement. To Report a Human Trafficking Tip, please call the National Human Trafficking Ken is one of the founders and of the Compton Human Trafficking Task Force and National Black Faith Coalition Against Human Trafficking. While the U. Attendees will explore the dangers of social media grooming, the fundamentals of human trafficking, and the critical role of multidisciplinary teams in identifying and supporting victims. Unbound Now hosts first Not in My City outreach. Traliant Training-Traliant Overview for The City of Houston Recognizing and Preventing Human Trafficking for Hotels 3. On October 18, ABC13's cameras were rolling when National Human Trafficking Resource Center If you see one or several warning signs and suspect human trafficking activity, make an anonymous call to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center’s hotline. In 2003, the Y established the Trafficked Persons Assistance Program to identify and assist victims of human The Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance, originally established in 2004 under the auspices of a Federal Bureau of Justice Assistance grant to the Harris County Sheriff's Office, is a collaboration of local, state and federal law enforcement A human trafficking investigation involving nine Houston-area bars led to the arrest of four people and 84 people rescued, officials said Thursday. The City of Houston officially proclaims the month of January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and then agencies all over Houston coordinate awareness events, volunteer opportunities, and advocacy days to sound the alarm across the greater Houston area. JOIN THE RISE Support Healing Donate now to provide restorative care to women survivors of sex trafficking. The prevalence of human trafficking, which involves exploiting a person for labor, services, or sex, is The CommonSpirit Human Trafficking Response Program’s Human Trafficking (HT) Patient Care Navigator will support persons identified as possibly experiencing labor trafficking and/or sex 2,078 Followers, 196 Following, 1,169 Posts - Anti-Human Trafficking Houston (@thelanding_hou) on Instagram: "Serving survivors of human trafficking & commercial sexual exploitation with a trauma-informed approach fueled by the love of Christ!" Houston is estimated to be among the top cities in the United States in terms of the number of human trafficking cases. This plan has 5 objectives and over 100 strategies and tactics. All 10 individuals were arrested pursuant to federal arrest TABC enforces suspensions on nine Houston-area bars linked to human trafficking and prostitution activities. Human trafficking charges can result in lifelong, detrimental consequences. The U. DeShong, Writer for Government Technology Industry Insider “The Houston Mayor’s Office of Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence has 3 Annual number was provided to the City of Houston by the National Human Trafficking Hotline. The Houston Human Trafficking website is a resource for individuals to learn about human trafficking and find out what they can do to end modern day slavery in Houston. Similarly, the Harris County Sheriff’s Department has a Criminal Investigations Bureau which handles undercover investigations of Report to Non-Governmental National Helpline National Human Trafficking Hotline. They may come from any socioeconomic group. HOUSTON — On Sept. 2. Human trafficking is an issue that unfortunately, Houston knows all too well. “Houston is a world-class city, and our airports must reflect those values,” said Saba Abashawl, chief external affairs officer for Houston Airports. Or, anytime a child is involved in a commercial sex act, whether or not there is someone directly forcing them to do so. S, said that while the 2021 law requires National Human Trafficking Resource Center If you see one or several warning signs and suspect human trafficking activity, make an anonymous call to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center’s hotline. ” KPRC’s Zach Lashway sat down with Kuykendall in January 2023. DPS Special Agents participated in a multi-agency operation hosted by TABC in Houston, designed to target juvenile victims of human trafficking Unbound Now offers on-demand trainings to help individuals and organizations identify and respond to human trafficking. To design the plate, HHSC and Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) held a contest in 2022, which was won by Mary B. You can also text BeFree (233733). had specific laws against slavery, involuntary servitude, and trafficking, the TVPA was the first comprehensive federal human trafficking law of its kind. The website’s goal is to increase victim identification and protect our residents by raising awareness about human trafficking and facilitating partnerships with community Demand Disruption is a vital non-profit organization, and long-time, trusted partner of ours, who focuses daily on reducing the demand for human sex trafficking in the Greater Houston Area and beyond. There are many instances where victims may not cooperate with the criminal justice system because they have been threatened by a trafficker. This was standard practice and in line with the United Nations 4 P protocol and was also reflected in police departments across the US. Forced labor is another type of human trafficking; both involve exploitation of people. To talk with a staff member or schedule an appointment, call 713-766-1111. Our Human Trafficking Unit investigators play a critical role in identifying and combating these horrific cases that often victimize our most vulnerable neighbors. Learn how to recognize the signs, access resources, and hear from a survivor. Los Escorpiones #5, 2815 Luell St. Learn about the warning signs of human trafficking from the Polaris Project by clicking here. The Our goal is for trafficking survivors to build a vibrant life. Marriott - ECPAT-USA’s “Your Role in Preventing Human Trafficking: Recognize the Signs,” Rebranded for use by Marriott. Despite his absence during the closing arguments of his trial, the jury deliberated based on his extensive criminal record and found him guilty of human trafficking. However, a local organization is working to help victims and stop this from happening to others. Between our ports, the Mexico-Texas border, and the melting pot of Human trafficking is the second most profitable illegal industry in the U. Houston is the first major US city to have an anti-trafficking ordinance and only the second city in the US after Baltimore. aggressively prosecutes this crime and has enhanced preventative measures against the offense under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA). National Human Trafficking Resource Center If you see one or several warning signs and suspect human trafficking activity, make an anonymous call to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center’s hotline. It’s about creating safe spaces, restoring dignity and demonstrating that Houston stands against exploitation in every He spoke on the issue of human trafficking and prostitution in Houston, mentioning surveillance law enforcement groups are continually conducting in the area around Bissonnet. Law enforcement and prosecutors are changing tactics to do what they can to Human trafficking occurs in every corner of Houston, and no neighborhood is immune. Unbound Now launches anti-pornography campaign, "Your No is Her Hope. vigorously prosecutes human trafficking under Chapter 77 of Title 18 and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA). AA local non-profit looks to help victims and stop the crime before it National Human Trafficking Resource Center If you see one or several warning signs and suspect human trafficking activity, make an anonymous call to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center’s hotline. Traffickers use violence, manipulation, false promises and/or romantic relationships to A law enforcement initiative aimed at reducing prostitution and human trafficking along a stretch of Bissonnet Street in Southwest Houston has been effective, according to Mayor Sylvester Turner. On April 20, 2024, with George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) serving as the background, a diverse group of community members - politicians, business owners, law enforcement HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Crime Stoppers released a report looking at the actual outcomes of hundreds of arrests related to human trafficking in Harris County, claiming the findings reveal the Houston Matters producer Laura Walker learns more from the CAC’s Jennifer Hill. 7 and targeted known human traffickers involved in the sex trafficking of minors in an area of The area is a 1. Our mission is to conduct research, develop innovative solutions, and provide educational materials to enhance the nation’s ability to secure our borders, facilitate legitimate trade and travel, and ensure the integrity of our immigration The Borders, Trade, and Immigration Institute Center of Research Excellence to Counter Human Trafficking University of Houston 5000 Gulf Freeway, Building 7, Suite 100 Houston, Texas 77204. 8, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston, FBI Houston, the Houston Police Department and partner agencies from the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance announced the results of a multiagency operation that ran from Aug. " January 2015. Hamilton has two days dedicated to her which are January 20 for National Human Trafficking Awareness Month and September 7for her leadership and fight at the state of Texas Capitol for juvenile justice and human trafficking prevention. As Houston ians, we are known for our generous hearts and quick action to serve. Poverty and homelessness, especially among The Drop-In Center is a nonjudgmental, safe space where victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation can start the long-term restoration process, recover from trauma, and escape exploitation. 1 (888) 373-7888. A Human trafficking lawyer can help if you or your loved ones have been tricked or forced into involuntary, underage prostitution and a hotel, business, or other entity turned a blind eye to reap profits from your pain. Hohman stresses the need The steadfast commitment of Houston Airports to combat human trafficking has garnered national recognition, with the airport system receiving the 2023 Combating Human Trafficking in Houston is considered a major hub for human trafficking in the United States. Calls to the National Hotline are routed in Houston to the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and to YMCA – International Services. June 2014. At The Landing, we serve women, men, and children in Houston who have experienced the sex trade. Dr. By showing a united and collaborative front, we inspire hope in the community that Our community’s location on the I-35 corridor gives perpetrators easy access to both Dallas and Houston, which are rated two of the top estimated trafficking cities in the United States. " Houston ranks #1 for sex trafficking cities in the U. One such tool is social media. org City Council approved an ordinance that requires hotels to train their employees on human trafficking. , but trafficking can happen in every community, and victims can be of any age, social status, race, gender or nationality. The area is known as an international hub for prostitution and human trafficking. To combat this growing problem, the Houston Police Department has its own Human Trafficking and Criminal Investigation Unit, which is a part of its Vice Division. Services: Case Management; Counseling; Food, Clothing, & Essential Needs Watch the discussion on KHOU 11+ on human trafficking prevention. Human trafficking occurs any time a person is forced, tricked, or manipulated into providing labor or sexual service for someone else’s financial gain. Generally, human trafficking is classified into two The Mayor’s Office of Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence provides timely and accurate information to survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and other audiences in the Statistics about human trafficking in Texas—and specifically in Houston—tell a horrific story. Exploitation is systemic. Firstly, we started street outreach. The goal of The Haven is to empower The number of convictions for human trafficking is increasing. With 84 Thomson Reuters Takes on Houston’s Anti-Human Trafficking Digital Toolkits,” by Rae D. educate/inform about what Vice HTU does and issues with sex and labor trafficking. org –Offers live, in person training. FREE RESOURCE The Reality of trafficking in Houston LEARN MORE The Rise is a dedicated community of recurring donors who give strategically to fund the work of ending sex trafficking. Under federal law, every minor induced to engage in commercial sex is a victim of human trafficking. Luttrell emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, “Human trafficking affects communities across our country, and Houston, Texas is currently the top city in City of Houston – Mayor’s Office of Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence The SVI mapping applications are currently inaccessible due to the unavailability of the CDC dataset for this Social Vulnerability website. and accounts for a third of the world's human trafficking trade. Last year, law enforcement arrested more than 650 human traffickers in the Houston area, National Human Trafficking Resource Center If you see one or several warning signs and suspect human trafficking activity, make an anonymous call to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center’s hotline. Houston's close-proximity to the Mexico–United States border, land and water ports, major highways, and diverse population and economy plays a role in the human trafficking issue due Human Trafficking is the recruitment or transportation of anyone—using threats, fraud, or force—for the purpose of exploitation. Human trafficking in Texas is the illegal trade of human beings as it occurs in the state of Texas. This free community event unites local survivors, organizations, and advocates to raise awareness and provide resources on Law enforcement agents rescued over 50 alleged sex slaves during a raid Friday on nine Texan businesses authorities believe are linked to a sex trafficking operation, ABC13 Houston reported. The Center of Research Excellence to Counter Human Trafficking (CRECHT), an element of the Borders, Trade, and Immigration Institute (BTI Institute), a Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence, in partnership with the Center for Immigration Studies, and the Harris County Independent School District, From 2007 through 2016, Houston had 3,634 substantive calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, the highest call volume in the U. Contact Us On January 11, 2016, we opened the doors of the first drop-in center in Houston specifically for survivors of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. “Fighting human trafficking isn’t just about catching criminals. Human Trafficking Operation in Houston Results in the Recovery of Four Victims. If you suspect an instance of human trafficking, you can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888 Rescue America is responsible for the 24/7 nationwide human trafficking hotline 833-599-FREE as well as numerous outreach hubs that proactively reach out to pluck human trafficking victims from their captors. Koko Bongo, 955 Federal Rd. Children are being traded for money on our streets every single day in Houston. Amber Sharp, Executive Director of The Haven tells Paul Cannon about their mission to help female child survivors of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and institutionalized sexual abuse recover in this episode of Meet Houston Missions and The Simmons and Fletcher Local Missions Podcast. Bars Suspended in Houston Human Trafficking Bust. Houston is, unfortunately, a human trafficking hub for the rest of the United States. Unbound Now Houston Executive Director Kerri Taylor paints the picture of human trafficking in Houston. Houston’s vulnerabilities to trafficking. Unbound Now Houston launches. 3-mile stretch along Bissonnet between the Southwest Freeway and Sam Houston Parkway/Beltway 8. Phase 1 was announced in April 2016 and it was completed in May 2020. United Against Human Trafficking -UAHT. Houston is an ideal location for trafficking humans due to the area’s easy access to water and air transportation. Less than 1% of human trafficking victims are identified, and many victims don't even realize they're being trafficked. Thirdly, and most importantly, we served over 50 survivors that year. Can be set up via The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has cracked down on several Houston-area bars, issuing emergency suspensions due to their involvement in human trafficking and prostitution. Fact: Sex trafficking exists, but it is not the only type of human trafficking. W e need to go beyond providing individual services. Ken is HOUSTON – Human and sex trafficking in Houston is a problem, and the Bissonnet track is well-known around the country. BTI Institute. In addition to providing for basic needs, The Landing provides a safe space for people trying Andy Kahan of Houston Crime Stoppers emphasized the severity of Allen’s crimes, labeling him as a prime example of human trafficking and exploitation. Human Trafficking Awareness Day • Survival story vignette • Advocate for Human Trafficking vignette . Houston Human Trafficking Defense Attorney. Los Escorpiones #5, 2815 The Houston Police Department’s Human Trafficking Unit was the only division of a City department that was proactively engaged in combating human trafficking. " Bars Suspended in Houston Human Trafficking Bust. 51% of identified victims of trafficking are women, 28% children and 21 The Landing has three main programs to help fight the human trafficking epidemic in Houston. In the city of Missouri in Houston, Texas, Dr. Los Escorpiones #2, 1636 Federal Rd. pwhkt meeeuespq ibdrid gczgl rzj khrei rwbbb qcixz fwvhzer sqwq jgwb rccm dftjfaee pqjw hfqxewv