SOCORRO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — A Socorro bar has permanently closed following an investigation into human trafficking and prostitution, according to the El Paso County Attorney’s Office
The El Paso County Attorney’s Office secured a legal order this week to permanently close the Boss Lady Pub in Socorro with 448th District Judge Sergio Enriquez signing the permanent injunction.
The court order declares the bar at 11400 East Gateway Blvd. a common nuisance, mandating its closure for one year, the maximum period allowed by law.
Additionally, the defendants must post a $9,000 bond and pay over $400 in court costs within 20 days.
The closure follows a lawsuit initiated by County Attorney Christina Sanchez. The legal action against business owner Maria Elena Olvera was prompted by undercover operations conducted by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).
The investigation, which began as a criminal probe into potential human trafficking, revealed that dancers were restricted from leaving the premises during work hours, a potential indicator of trafficking.
Although no human trafficking charges have been filed, agents documented several violations, including five cases of prostitution and four incidents of employees illegally soliciting drinks from customers.
The bar also operated as a sexually oriented business without the necessary City of Socorro permit.
In a press release on Thursday announcing the closure, Sanchez attributed the successful closure to strong inter-agency collaboration.
“We want to express our deepest gratitude to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission’s Special Investigations Unit, the El Paso Sheriff’s Office, and the Paso del Norte Center of Hope for their tireless work on this complex case,” Sanchez said. “Their commitment to uncovering these violations and protecting vulnerable individuals sends a clear message that this behavior will not be tolerated in El Paso County.”
She added, “Our Nuisance Abatement Team works with residents to identify and address properties linked to crime and repeated violence,” Sanchez said. “We strongly encourage citizens to contact our office with complaints or concerns about suspicious businesses, as community input is vital to improving quality of life for everyone.”
The closure comes after the County Attorney’s Office secured a settlement agreement with property owner Carolina Gonzalez in December 2025, who agreed to initiate the formal eviction process to remove the business owners.
Gonzalez has assured the County Attorney that she will not allow the bar to reopen on her premises.
Residents can report problematic properties to the Nuisance Abatement Team by calling 915-273-3247.
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