school

1. Human
Trafficking in
Texas
S a m a n t h a F a r l e y
S U N Y D e l h i
S O C I 3 9 0 : H u m a n T r a f f i c k i n g
P r o f e s s o r P a t r i c i a D e a n g e l i s
M a r c h 4 t h 2 0 2 3

2. According to the Texas Penal
Code:
Human trafficking is considered
modern day slavery. Human
trafficking is when another person
or child is being forced into
engaging into forced labor or
services, when a person received
benefit for someone whose being
forced into doing labor or services
or using force, fraud or coercion
into prostitution.(Statutes Capitol
Texas, 2003)
Human Trafficking Laws in
Texas

3. STATE LAW:
Second Degree Felony
 2 – 20 years in prison
 Fines up to $10,000
IF THE PERSON IS A MINOR:
First Degree Felony
If the minor dies due to being trafficked.
 5-99 years in prison
 $10,000 dollar fine
State Laws / Federal Laws
(Capital Texas Gov, 2022)

4. Texas is the 2nd highest state for
human trafficking in the United
States. “Texas has one of the highest
rates of human trafficking in the United
States, with an estimated 234,000
victims of trafficking in the state at any
given time. This includes 79,000 victims
of youth and minor sex trafficking. (Case
J Darwin,2019)”

5. Are the Laws Strong
Enough?
NO!
California is the number 1 location for most
human trafficking. Their laws are 5,8 or 12 years
and a fine of up to $500,000 which I also don’t
believe is harsh enough.
SOMEONE TRAFFICKING HUMANS SHOULD
NEVER HAVE LESS THAN LIFE IN PRISION.

6. As of 2021, The Texas Health and Human Services
Commission had started a fund for youth survivors
of human trafficking. It would help with housing
and treatment services. They were accepting
donations and receiving grants as well to assist
(Texas Health and Human Services, 2021)

7. Texas House Bill 2059 requires that all
healthcare providers in the state of Texas and
any Texas Medical Board Licensee who works
directly with patients must take a Human
Trafficking prevention course. (Ladd and Jones,
2022)

8. Should the Laws be Changed?
“In Texas, human trafficking is
believed to be highest within the
“Texas Triangle” that connects the
Houston, San Antonio and Dallas-
Fort Worth metro areas, as well as
in the lower Rio Grande
Valley(Upbring,2023).”
- Viewing the map sex trafficking
happens closest to the border white
forced labor is happening in
northern Texas. I believe regardless
of laws this is the way it would
continue to be.

9. Should the Laws be Changed?
The laws in Texas for trafficking need to become harsher. I believe that this is exactly why
Texas is as high as is it is on the list for most victims trafficked in the United States. The
location of Texas as well plays such a huge part of why I think there is so many victims.
Like California, the bordering areas of Mexico are a hot spot for
human trafficking. I believe this is due to the borders.
There isn’t a very harsh sentence for these crimes.
I feel this is why people aren’t scared for the consequences
Of their actions.

10. Learning
from Other
States
Rhode Island has NEVER
had to prosecute for human
trafficking. A law was
passed in 2007 when the
anti- trafficking law was
passed. (Digital Commons,
2008)

11. Why has it been so
successful?
The state of Rhode Island took the time to investigate where it
was happening and did their research. The task force gathered
information on Asian massage parlor brothels and determined if
this is where most of the trafficking was happening. Johns were
sent in wired so the police could hear (ACF, 2016)

12. THEIA (Trafficking Housing Empowerment
Immigration Advocacy is a project. The THEIA
Project gives safe shelter, transitional housing
and services supporting victims. They also
provide basic needs, immigration advocacy and
case management. This program is helpful when
someone feels like they have no place to turn.
This is part of a reason domestic violence victims
stay with their abusers so long. (Sojourner
House, 2023)

13. Learning from Other
Countries : Australia
The Government demonstrates taking Human Trafficking very
seriously. They have made plans and programs to help with
victims. If you are found guilty of trafficking, you can face 12
plus years. The officials train any front line worker down to
restaurant servers to be able to recognize signs of trafficking.
The proper training could save someone's life. It shouldn’t just be
nurses or police who have the training because these are
normally avoided when someone is being trafficked. (US
Department of State, 2022)

14. Focusing on Health Care, Law Enforcement
or Social Services
• Know what you are looking for that are indicators for human
trafficking. Chances are a person is not going to just walk up and
state that they are being trafficked. They may have their abuser with
them and that may not be an option.
• Report any information to local law enforcement. Trying to fix
someone's issue privately does not benefit them or anyone else that
may be in danger.

15. Focusing on Health Care, Law Enforcement
or Social Services cont.
• Assist with finding programs and options for a victim to flee. Many
times, victims of trafficking and abuse do not leave because they
feel they have no other option. This may include transportation,
housing, drug treatment or money.
• Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. There are agents
who are always working and can point any information that is given
to them in the right direction.
• Watch body language. If someone is being abused or trafficked, they
are not going to be chipper. They may have bruising, be scared to
talk or not even be allowed to talk.

16. Conclusion
Every place has human
trafficking in some shape or
form. I do believe any
bordering states to be some of
the worst because of the
easier access in and out.
Overall, I believe that border
control would assist possibly
with the issues Texas has with
human trafficking.

17. References:
P e n a l L a w . P e n a l c o d e c h a p t e r 2 0 A . t r a f f i c k i n g o f p e r s o n s . ( n . d . ) . R e t r i e v e d M a r c h 3 , 2 0 2 3 , f r o m
h t t p s : / / s t a t u t e s . c a p i t o l . t e x a s . g o v / D o c s / P E / h t m / P E . 2 0 A . h t m
S h a p i r o , M . ( n . d . ) . S e x t r a f f i c k i n g a n d d e c r i m i n a l i z e d p r o s t i t u t i o n i n R h o d e I s l a n d . D i g i t a l C o m m o n s @ U R I . R e t r i e v e d M a r c h 3 , 2 0 2 3 ,
f r o m
h t t p s : / / d i g i t a l c o m m o n s . u r i . e d u / s r h o n o r s p r o g / 1 3 5 / # : ~ : t e x t = R h o d e % 2 0 I s l a n d % 2 0 i s % 2 0 o n e % 2 0 o f , l a w % 2 0 w a s % 2 0 p a s s e d % 2 0 i n % 2 0 2 0 0 7 .
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J e s s e G u m t o w . ( 2 0 2 2 , J a n u a r y 1 1 ) . 6 t r u t h s a b o u t h u m a n t r a f f i c k i n g i n T e x a s . U p b r i n g . R e t r i e v e d M a r c h 3 , 2 0 2 3 , f r o m
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U . S . D e p a r t m e n t o f S t a t e . ( 2 0 2 1 , A u g u s t 5 ) . A u s t r a l i a - u n i t e d s t a t e s d e p a r t m e n t o f s t a t e . U . S . D e p a r t m e n t o f S t a t e . R e t r i e v e d M a r c h
3 , 2 0 2 3 , f r o m h t t p s : / / w w w . s t a t e . g o v / r e p o r t s / 2 0 2 1 - t r a f f i c k i n g - i n - p e r s o n s - r e p o r t / a u s t r a l i a /