HOUSTON — The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission released more details after several bars and nightclubs had their licenses suspended in the Houston area due to allegations of human trafficking and prostitution.
Officials said that nine Houston bars and nightclubs have been shut down as a result of “Operation Bad Traffic,” which involved TABC and the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance. As a part of the investigation, TABC said more than 80 women were identified at the locations as potential human trafficking victims.
Investigators said the victims were found in deplorable conditions.
"It was horrific. They look on the outside like a regular bar or nightclub with a bar, dance floor pool tables but behind them is elaborate hidden rooms," said TABC Chairman Kevin Lilly. "Cement floors, closet size with soiled mattresses. An actual house of horrors."
Authorities said four arrest warrants were issued in the operation. They said despite the results, there is still a larger human trafficking issue happening across the country.
Law enforcement said a lot of human trafficking comes from cartels moving people across the border. They said women and young girls are told they'll be working in bars to pay off debts, but in reality, will be forced into the sex trade.
There was a heavy emphasis on the care for the victims. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez highlighted the importance of providing resources to those impacted by human trafficking rather than just going after the perpetrators. TABC's victims' services coordinator said human trafficking does not discriminate - victims could be anyone. She said traffickers use psychological manipulation to control their victims.
A team worked to help assess the 80 potential victims' needs. If you are a victim or know someone who may be a victim, you can call the human trafficking hotline at 888-373-7888 or text 233-733.
The nine bars and clubs will remain suspended for at least 90 days and the task force intends to have strong surveillance on them should they reopen.
Several officials from TABC and local law enforcement were present for Thursday’s press conference.
The Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance was originally established in 2004 under the auspices of a Federal Bureau of Justice Assistance grant to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
It is a collaboration of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies working together with area social service organizations. They work together to identify and assist the victims of human trafficking, and then apprehend and prosecute those engaged in trafficking offenses.