by | Published
Throughout January, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging Texans to stay alert and learn the signs of human trafficking as part of Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
“Protecting vulnerable Texans starts with all of us paying attention and speaking up when something doesn’t feel right,” said DPS Criminal Investigations Division Chief Floyd Goodwin. “It’s always better to report a concern and have it turn out to be nothing than to stay silent and miss a critical chance to intervene.”
Human trafficking involves force, fraud, or coercion in labor exploitation or commercial sex, including cases involving anyone under 18. It occurs in every state, often unnoticed, and can affect anyone.
DPS leads the state’s human trafficking enforcement efforts. Through its Human Trafficking Program, Special Agents work with local, state, and federal partners to identify, investigate, and dismantle trafficking operations. They also focus on victims, prioritizing identification, recovery, safety, and stabilization alongside investigating traffickers.
From Sept. 1, 2024 – Aug. 31, 2025, DPS Special Agents recovered 119 human trafficking victims and arrested 690 suspects on related charges.
Texans are encouraged to remain observant and report suspicious activity. Signs may include:
Individuals appearing controlled by someone else physically (ID, money, phone) or psychologically (unable to make decisions).
Individuals showing little awareness of surroundings, confused about location or destination.
Signs of neglect or abuse, such as untreated injuries, malnourishment, or sleep deprivation.
Inappropriate clothing for the weather, age, or environment.
Individuals transported to/from work by their employer or living where they work.
Excessive or unusual work hours.
Unusual security measures at a workplace, like boarded-up windows or excessive cameras.
Presence of one indicator doesn’t confirm trafficking, but multiple signs in context may warrant reporting.
Call 911 if you see immediate danger.
iWatchTexas online reporting.
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1‑888‑373‑7888 or text “BeFree” to 233733.
DPS advises not to intervene directly, as doing so could endanger yourself or others.
Staying informed and vigilant helps protect victims and supports law enforcement in stopping traffickers in their tracks.
