Human trafficking isn’t a distant problem; it is happening right now in our streets, schools, and online.
Houston police reported recovering 86 trafficking victims in 2025, more than half of whom were juveniles, and charging 49 traffickers with 87 felony counts, highlighting the severity of the epidemic locally.
During National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the Children’s Assessment Center brought together community leaders, law enforcement, and advocacy groups to shed attention on the problem and discuss how Harris County can combat it.
Houston is considered the top sex trafficking city in the United States, and children account for 27% of trafficking victims worldwide, according to the CAC. Advocates claim that the problem is occurring in local neighborhoods and schools, rather than beyond.
HPD reported recovering 86 victims, more than half of whom were juveniles, and charged 49 traffickers with 87 felony counts in 2025.
Jennifer Hill, Chief of Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, asked the community to pay attention.
“Online, people are courting our children. “We need to recognize this as a public health crisis,” Hill stated. “Traffickers rely on the victims’ silence. They’re depending on the community’s quiet to prevent people from coming forward and reporting these incidents.”
City officials also emphasized the significance of awareness. Twyla Carter, a City of Houston Council Member, stated that the CAC is essential for prevention and support.
“Awareness and education equal prevention… we should all be talking about it,” she commented.
Advocates noted how technology has altered the landscape for traffickers. Michelle Sachs, the Executive Director of Street Grace Texas, explained how traffickers exploit online manipulation and even AI-generated photos.
“Technology is not your adversary. Silence is. Inaction is.” There is a lack of awareness,” Sachs stated.
Support for survivors is also vital. According to Lisa Bourgoyne, CEO of The Landing, most victims do not initially recognize themselves as victims, and less than 1% receive the assistance they require.
“That is why awareness is important…” “Prevention is a shared responsibility,” she explained.
Statewide efforts also play an important role. Blanca Denise Lance, Director of the Human Trafficking Division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, warned the community to remain vigilant.
“We must stay strong and do this together.” Traffickers do not waver, and neither should we,” she stated.
According to organizers, the first step in safeguarding children and assisting survivors is to raise awareness. If you or someone you know is being trafficked, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-788.
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