HOUSTON – Human trafficking isn’t a distant problem, it’s happening right here in our streets, schools, and online.
Houston police reported recovering 86 trafficking victims in 2025, more than half of them juveniles, and charging 49 traffickers with 87 felony counts, underscoring the scope of the crisis locally.
During National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the Children’s Assessment Center brought together community leaders, law enforcement, and advocacy groups to shine a light on the issue and discuss how Harris County can fight back.
Houston is considered the top U.S. city for sex trafficking, and globally, children make up 27 percent of trafficking victims, according to the CAC. Advocates say the problem isn’t happening somewhere else, it’s happening in local neighborhoods and schools..
HPD reported they recovered 86 victims, more than half of them juveniles, and charged 49 traffickers with 87 felony counts in 2025.
Jennifer Hill, Chief of Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, urged the community to pay attention.
“There are people online soliciting our children. We really need to recognize this as a public health crisis,” Hill said. “Traffickers are relying on the silence of the victims. They’re relying on the silence of the community, (so) that people won’t come forward and make these reports.”
City leaders also stressed the importance of awareness. Twyla Carter, City of Houston Council Member, said the CAC is vital for prevention and support.
“Awareness and education equals prevention… we should all be talking about it,” she said.
Advocates highlighted how technology has changed the game for traffickers. Michelle Sachs, Executive Director of Street Grace Texas, explained that online manipulation and even AI-generated images are being used to exploit children.
“Technology is not the enemy. Silence is. Inaction is. Lack of awareness is,” Sachs said.
Support for survivors is just as important. Lisa Bourgoyne, CEO of The Landing, said most victims don’t even see themselves as victims at first, and fewer than 1 percent get the help they need.
“That’s why awareness matters… Prevention is a shared responsibility,” she said.
Statewide efforts also play a key role. Blanca Denise Lance, Director of the Human Trafficking Division at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, urged the community to stay vigilant.
“We must stay strong, and we must do this together. Traffickers do not waver, and neither should we,” she said.
Organizers say the first step to protecting children and supporting survivors is simply being aware. If you or someone you know is facing trafficking, help is available through the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-788.