AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging residents to remain vigilant and informed about the dangers of human trafficking throughout January, designated as Human Trafficking Prevention Month. “Protecting vulnerable Texans starts with all of us paying attention and speaking up when something doesn’t feel right,” said Criminal Investigations Division Chief Floyd Goodwin.
Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion in labor exploitation or commercial sex acts, and it can affect anyone, anywhere, according to the DPS. The department’s Human Trafficking Program, led by Special Agents within the Criminal Investigations Division, collaborates with local, state, and federal agencies to identify and dismantle major trafficking organizations. From September 1 to August 31, 2025, DPS Special Agents recovered 119 victims and arrested 690 suspects on related charges.
Public awareness is crucial in combating trafficking, as these operations often disguise themselves as legitimate businesses. Traffickers target vulnerable populations, including the homeless, juvenile runaways, and those with language barriers. DPS encourages Texans to watch for signs of trafficking, such as individuals under another’s control, lack of awareness of surroundings, untreated illnesses, inappropriate clothing, or unusual work conditions. While the presence of these indicators does not confirm trafficking, their combination may warrant law enforcement attention, stated the source.