2 new Texas laws tackling human trafficking take effect Sept. 1

There are nearly 9,000 illicit massage businesses, or IMBs, in the United States, according to nonprofit research and advocacy group Children at Risk’s March 2022 report. With nearly 700 of those IMBs in Texas, the group called Houston “undeniably prevalent” for having IMBs. The organization also cited the following:

• Such unlicensed operations are fronts for prostitution, and many engage in human trafficking.
• Law enforcement spends a disproportionate amount of time patrolling smaller cities, towns and suburbs.
• IMBs were often located in or near affluent areas, likely because the men who frequent the establishment come from a wealthier demographic.
• The vast majority occupy leased commercial space.
• These fronts are located next to day care centers, veterinary offices and even craft stores, estimating more than 900,000 children attend school within a mile of an IMB.

Also of note

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzales said the county’s human trafficking unit conducted 51 operations, closed 186 cases and made more than 144 arrests relating to human trafficking in 2022. He told Community Impact the department’s priority is to identify victims and get them the services they need.

“Those who are selling their bodies for sex are almost always victims, not criminals. Our goal is to rescue and support them,” Gonzales said.

Daniel Weeks contributed to this report.