DPS officials say public awareness is critical in preventing trafficking as many operations are disguised as legitimate businesses in local communities.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Texas Department of Public Safety is urging Texans to stay alert for the warning signs of human trafficking throughout January as part of Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
“Protecting vulnerable Texans starts with all of us paying attention and speaking up when something doesn’t feel right,” said Floyd Goodwin, chief of the DPS Criminal Investigations Division. “It is always better to report a concern and have it turn out to be nothing than to stay silent and miss a critical chance to intervene.”
DPS says trafficking occurs in every state, often going unnoticed within communities.
From Sept. 1, 2024, through Aug. 31, 2025, DPS special agents recovered 119 human trafficking victims and arrested 690 suspects on trafficking-related charges, according to the agency.
The organization is responsible for directing the state’s human trafficking enforcement efforts through its Human Trafficking Program. Special agents in the Criminal Investigations Division work with local, state and federal agencies to identify, investigate and dismantle trafficking organizations.
Officials for DPS said they use a victim-centered approach that prioritizes the identification, recovery and stabilization of victims while also pursuing criminal investigations and prosecutions.
DPS is encouraging Texans to watch for possible warning signs, including individuals who appear to be under another person’s control, show little awareness of their surroundings, appear malnourished or injured, are dressed inappropriately for the weather, live where they work, work excessively long hours or are transported by their employer. Businesses with unusually heavy security measures, such as boarded or opaque windows, may also raise concerns.
Officials said traffickers often target high-risk populations, including people experiencing homelessness, runaway youth, individuals with substance abuse histories, people in abusive home situations and those facing language barriers.
The presence of one indicator does not confirm trafficking, but a combination of signs may warrant a report, DPS said.
Anyone who suspects human trafficking is encouraged to call 911 and provide as many details as possible. Tips can also be submitted through iWatchTexas or by contacting the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or by texting “BeFree” to 233733.
DPS advises the public not to confront suspected traffickers and to avoid placing themselves or others in danger.