Montgomery County Constable Ryan Gable proudly announced the successful outcome of a three-day operation last month, which led to multiple arrests for prostitution, child trafficking, and drug offenses. Smuggling rings were shut down.
The constable’s office took decisive action in collaboration with the Houston Police Department, supported by the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA) and the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
This strategic partnership was crucial in executing the operation effectively. During a press conference on Friday morning, Gable asserted the vital role of ICAC in this endeavor, highlighting that the internet has emerged as a primary platform for the exploitation of children and the trafficking of victims for sexual purposes.
The collaboration between HTRA and ICAC empowered investigators to employ digital forensics and online tracking to dismantle trafficking networks. Dubbed Operation Safe Haven, this comprehensive investigation resulted in numerous arrests and the recovery of one victim, demonstrating a strong commitment to combatting these heinous crimes.
Operation Results Include
- Seven arrests for prostitution.
- Three arrests for promotion of prostitution.
- Four arrests for online solicitation of a minor (including the capture of a registered sex offender).
- One arrest for child trafficking.
- One arrest for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
- One arrest for evading law enforcement.
- One arrest for possession of a prohibited weapon.
- Two arrests related to drug offenses.
- One juvenile recovered.
Commander Salam Zia of the Houston Police Department praised the successful collaboration between the agencies. He emphasized that this partnership ensured the safety of victims of trafficking and sent a clear message to traffickers:
"When we join forces, we not only strengthen our ability to uphold justice and ensure public safety, but we also send a loud and clear message to both survivors and traffickers. To the survivors: Our collaboration says you are not alone. And to the traffickers: We make it clear there will be no safe haven for you."
Houston - Hotspot for Human Trafficking
According to the Houston Police Vice Division, this is largely due to the city’s proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border, its dense population, access to major roadways and seaports, and its large sex industry.
National Human Trafficking Hotline data showed that from December 2007 to December 2016, a total of 13,370 human trafficking cases were reported nationwide. Of these cases, more than 1,000 were from Houston, making the city number one in the country for human trafficking.
80 Trafficking Victims Found In Houston Area Nightclubs
In a recent collaborative effort between state and local law enforcement agencies, over 80 trafficked victims (many were illegal migrants from Latin countries) who were potentially victims of human trafficking have been rescued from nine nightclubs located in the Houston area.Following this successful operation, criminal charges have been initiated, and the liquor licenses of these establishments have been temporarily suspended. During an official announcement made during a press conference, Kevin Lilly, the Chairman of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), revealed that the individuals believed to be victims of trafficking were discovered within a “labyrinth” located in the back of the bars and clubs.
Private Rooms at Notorious Houston Cantina Where Victims of Human Smugglers Forced to Have Sex With Strangers & Regular Customers. Photo by Texas Dept Public Safety
“It was horrific,” Lilly said. “Hidden rooms, cement floors—closet-sized rooms with soiled mattresses. An actual house of horrors hiding within the trap doors and secret doors of these establishments.”
Ron Swenson, the Chief of Enforcement for the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), stated that the agency initiated an investigation into several clubs following reports of human trafficking. This inquiry resulted in over 200 officers conducting simultaneous raids on nine establishments in October during evening hours within a 10-minute timeframe.
During the operation, officers identified 84 people as potential victims; however, detailed information about them remains limited due to the ongoing nature of the investigation. Additionally, Swenson mentioned that four suspects were arrested in connection with the investigation. Although he refrained from disclosing specific details regarding the charges, he noted that they encompassed offenses ranging from human trafficking to prostitution.
“We are taking a very victim-centric approach to this investigation,” Swenson said. “It won’t be tolerated.”
Here Are the Clubs Located Throughout the Houston Area:
- El Flamingo Club — located at 3715 Aldine Mail Route
- Koko Bongo — located at 955 Federal Road
- Los Escorpiones #2 — located at 1636 Federal Road
- Los Escorpiones #5 — located at 2815 Luell Street
- El Cruzero Sports Bar — located at 7715 W. Hardy Road
- Bora Bora Sports Bar — located at 11028 Aldine Westfield Road
- El Rinconcito Night Club — located at 743 Freeport Street
- La Condesa — located at 8810 Jensen Drive
- Las Margaritas Night Club — located at 210 E. Little York Road
Homeland Security Investigator Extends Her Hand to Rescue a Trafficked Victim. Photo by Ice.Gov (Public Information)
Texas Rank Second
In 2016, the Greater Houston area accounted for 41.6 percent of all human trafficking tips reported in Texas. As of 2020, Texas ranked second in the nation for human trafficking, only behind California.
Donna Hansen, Chief of the Special Victims Unit with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, reaffirmed the commitment to holding offenders accountable.
”We appreciate that [HPD] has given us a knowledge base for targeting traffickers for the right types of cases. And we are committed to seeking justice on behalf of every single victim of human trafficking. And we will see to it that these offenders are put where they belong.”
Officials firmly stated that collaboration among various agencies is essential for the operation’s success. Gable acknowledged the critical contributions of the Department of Public Safety, the Texas Rangers, local law enforcement agencies, and non-governmental organizations like the YMCA and The Landing. Authorities also demanded that parents and community members remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect children from online predators. Lt. Croft underscored the importance of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as an indispensable resource for families.
“For anybody looking for resources from the child exploitation side, children are targeted online all the time by offenders,” Croft said. “Talk to your children, understand their online habits, and stay engaged.”
This investigation is ongoing, and as such, the names of the alleged offenders have not been released. HPD Lieutenant Freddie Croft said that the operation is far from over, and law enforcement will continue to search for more victims and traffickers.
“The arrests made are just the beginning of the investigation. Typically, these traffickers—especially those who prey on juveniles—have other victims,” said Croft. “We will continue investigating to identify additional victims and bring offenders to justice.”
Reporter C. J. Walker can be reached at [email protected]