DPS Recognizes Human Trafficking Prevention Month Urges Public to Remain Vigilant to Protect Vulnerable Texans

AUSTIN –Throughout January, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding Texans to be vigilant and educate themselves about the dangers of human trafficking as part of Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

“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.”

Human trafficking is the use of force, fraud or coercion in any type of labor exploitation or commercial sex act – or when an individual under the age of 18 is involved in commercial sex. It can happen to anyone, anywhere and it occurs in every state, every day and often goes unnoticed by communities.

DPS is charged with the overall direction of the state’s human trafficking enforcement efforts. Through its Human Trafficking Program, Special Agents within the department’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID) work with local, state and federal agencies in Texas and other states to identify, investigate, disrupt and/or dismantle major human trafficking organizations.

DPS Special Agents focus efforts to combat human trafficking by utilizing a victim-centered approach, which places equal importance and value on the identification, recovery, safety and stabilization of victims in addition to the investigation and prosecution of traffickers. In FY 2024, DPS Special Agents recovered 446 human trafficking victims and arrested an additional 874 suspects on human trafficking related charges.

Public awareness is critical to preventing and combating human trafficking, as these operations are often masked as legitimate businesses in highly visible areas. Traffickers tend to prey on the vulnerabilities of high-risk populations, like those experiencing homelessness, juvenile runaways, historical or active drug users, individuals with difficult or abusive home lives and individuals with language barriers or a reason to want to avoid law enforcement personnel.

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 does not confirm an occurrence of human trafficking; however, the combination and context of indicators may indicate human trafficking pending law enforcement investigation and you are encouraged to report it.

If you see signs of human trafficking, call 911 immediately to report it and be ready to give 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 or text “BeFree” to 233733.

Remember: do not endanger yourself or others by intervening or confronting someone you suspect of engaging in human trafficking.

Posted by Latino Lubbock Magazine Digital Media