Executive Summary
- A Texas DPS-led operation in the Permian Basin during October resulted in 18 arrests related to human trafficking.
- Two victims, one juvenile and one adult, were successfully rescued during the sting.
- The operation was a multi-jurisdictional effort involving federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
- Officials state that all 18 suspects are facing charges and that investigations into additional suspects are underway.
A multi-agency law enforcement operation targeting human trafficking in the Permian Basin region of Texas during October resulted in 18 arrests and the rescue of two victims, a juvenile and an adult. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced the results of the coordinated effort, which involved local, state, and federal partners.
According to a press release from the agency, the operation was a collaborative effort. “This multi-jurisdictional operation was a collaborative effort with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, targeting individuals seeking to exploit and victimize trafficking victims and identified and apprehended individuals suspected of human trafficking,” DPS stated. All 18 suspects arrested are facing charges, and special agents have reportedly opened investigations into additional suspects identified during the operation.
Multiple agencies assisted in the investigations, including the DPS Criminal Investigations Division, the Texas Highway Patrol, the Office of the Attorney General, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Midland Police Department, the Odessa Police Department, the Midland County Sheriff’s Office, the Lamesa Police Department, the Ector County ISD Police, and the Ector County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials emphasized that their strategy utilizes a victim-centered approach, placing equal importance on the recovery and safety of victims alongside the investigation and prosecution of traffickers. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Authorities encourage the public to report signs of human trafficking by calling 911, using the iWatchTexas platform, or contacting the National Human Trafficking Hotline.