HOUSTON – Law enforcement officials will be on the lookout for human trafficking cases this weekend ahead of the 2024 National Football Championship game taking place Monday at NRG Stadium in Houston.
KPRC 2′s Zach Lashway spoke to FBI Supervisory Special Agent Torrence White about why human trafficking cases typically increase during big sporting events like this one.
According to SSA White, human trafficking can look like many things as there is no true demographic to hone in on.
“When we talk about trafficking, we’re talking about when someone’s compelling or coercing someone to perform labor services, forced labor, domestic servitude, any commercial sex act by force, fraud or coercion,” he said.
Houston is said to be one of the largest hotspots for traffickers across the country, especially around areas like the ‘Bissonnet Track’ which is infamously known for its sex trafficking.
If you think you or your loved ones can’t be affected by human trafficking, SSA White tells us predators can prey on anybody but they often seek out those who appear to be extremely vulnerable.
He added that human trafficking is a $150 billion industry and when we host events in the Houston area it can directly impact the revenue seen within the hotel, agricultural, and hospitality industry.
Social media has also played a role in increasing cases of human trafficking, making it easier for someone to reach and connect with their victims.
“You can order pizza overnight. You can order a husband or a wife online. So, they’re using those same platforms in order to propagate the traffic,” SSA White said.
NRG Park is a No Trafficking Zone. It’s a unique community partnership with No Trafficking Zone’s Jacquelyn Aluotto and law enforcement to actively search for human trafficking during major events like the CFP NCAA Championship.
“This is such an important issue for our community, and we’re glad we can help address this issue head-on to better protect everyone who walks through the gates of NRG Park,” CEO Ryan Walsh with NRG Park tells us. “We’re also proud that the No Trafficking Zone - Game Over Initiative at NRG Park was the first of its kind in the nation and it aligns seamlessly with our “Commitment to Community”. It is yet another reason these large national and international events keep coming back to NRG Park to host their events.”
If you spot someone you think is caught up in human trafficking call them right away at 911, their non-emergency line at 713.884.3131, or reach out to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
KPRC 2′s coverage on human trafficking in Houston
Elijah Rising’s four-pronged approach to help human trafficking victims
‘Human trafficking is going to happen’: The darker side of sporting events ahead of the Final Four
Self-proclaimed ‘King of Bissonnet’ convicted of sex trafficking multiple women, beating them