AUSTIN, TX — January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and the DPS reminds people across the state to stay vigilant and informed about the dangers of human trafficking.
“Human trafficking is a terrible crime that targets some of the most vulnerable people in our society,” said Colonel Freeman F. Martin, the head of DPS. “We’re committed to working with our partners to rescue victims, bring traffickers to justice, and teach the public how to spot and report suspicious activity. Stopping this crime requires all of us.”
According to the Department of Homeland Security, human trafficking involves using force, fraud, or manipulation to exploit someone for labor or sex. It can also include minors being forced into sex work. Trafficking happens everywhere, in every state, every day, and often goes unnoticed.
The Texas DPS is in charge of coordinating efforts to combat human trafficking. The department’s Special Agents work with other law enforcement agencies to identify, investigate, and stop trafficking organizations. DPS uses a "victim-centered" approach, where they focus not only on arresting traffickers but also on recovering and protecting the victims.
In 2024, DPS agents rescued 446 human trafficking victims and arrested 874 suspects involved in trafficking-related crimes.
“Raising awareness is one of the most important things we can do,” Colonel Martin said. “Traffickers often hide their crimes behind businesses that seem legitimate, so it’s easy for people to miss the signs. We need the help of the public to spot suspicious activity and report it.”
The Texas DPS lists several warning signs that could indicate someone is being trafficked:
- A person seems controlled by another person, either physically (like having their ID, money, or phone taken) or psychologically (such as being unable to speak for themselves, avoiding eye contact, or needing permission to make basic decisions).
- A person may not know where they are or where they are going.
- A person has visible injuries, looks malnourished, or seems unusually tired or sick.
- A person’s clothing is out of place for the weather or doesn’t match their age or situation.
- A person is always driven to and from work by their employer.
- A person lives where they work or works unusual or extremely long hours.
- A workplace has strange security measures, like boarded-up windows or too many surveillance cameras.
It is important to know that seeing just one of these signs does not always mean someone is being trafficked. However, if multiple signs are present, it raises a red flag that law enforcement should investigate.
If you suspect human trafficking, call 911 immediately and try to provide as many details as possible. You can also report tips anonymously through iWatchTexas or by calling the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or texting “BeFree” to 233733.
DPS urges everyone not to intervene directly or confront anyone they suspect of trafficking. The safest thing to do is to report it and let law enforcement handle the situation.
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