In the last several weeks, law enforcement in Texas has been active in cracking down on sex trafficking operations, a stark reminder that human traffickers continue to exploit vulnerable individuals, but also that coordinated legal action can save lives and put abusers behind bars. In one recent case, police in Arlington arrested four managers tied to a sex trafficking ring operating out of an adult entertainment club, part of an ongoing investigation that could lead to more charges as the case develops.
Meanwhile, across the state, a multi-agency sting at a Beaumont hotel resulted in 11 arrests and the rescue of at least two human trafficking victims, underscoring the continued presence of exploitation networks.
These high-profile arrests are not isolated incidents; they fit into a broader trend of increasing human trafficking enforcement across the United States.
Trafficking Arrests and Cases Are Rising.
Here’s What the Data Shows
Even though human trafficking remains underreported and hidden, recent government data points to clear increases in enforcement activity:
- According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the number of people prosecuted for human trafficking more than doubled from 805 in 2012 to 1,656 in 2022, and referrals to U.S. Attorneys also rose by about 26% in that period.
- Nationwide law enforcement agencies reported nearly 3,000 human trafficking incidents in one year, and 81% of those reported were sex trafficking cases.
- In 2023 alone, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received 30,162 substantive signals nationwide and identified more than 5,500 potential sex trafficking situations, a sign of both the scope of the problem and the growing engagement of the public and service providers in reporting it.
Texas is one of the states with a high volume of trafficking reports and victims identified, reflective of both its population and its position as a transportation and commerce hub.
These increases in arrests and reports don’t necessarily mean trafficking is suddenly more common but they do mean that law enforcement and victim support networks are getting better at identifying and responding to it.
How New Laws Are Advancing Accountability and Protection
Over the past decade, lawmakers at the federal and state level have passed a series of critical laws that provide the tools prosecutors and police need to arrest and charge traffickers more effectively and ensure survivors get the protection they deserve.
Some of the most impactful laws include:
- The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) and its reauthorizations set the foundation for federal trafficking prosecutions and survivorship services.
- State anti-trafficking statutes that expand definitions of exploitation, increase penalties, and criminalize behaviors that often surround trafficking (like advertising for prostitution, coercion, and recruitment tactics).
- Law enforcement task force provisions that mandate collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies to target trafficking networks and their financial infrastructure.
We’ve covered a number of these laws in our previous blogs, and the recent arrests in Texas demonstrate why those laws matter. Strong criminal statutes mean traffickers can be investigated and prosecuted for conduct that used to fall through the cracks. Victims who previously had no clear legal pathway to safety are now being identified, rescued, and connected to essential services.
Criminal Justice Is Only One Piece
Civil Remedies Matter Too
While criminal arrests and prosecutions are a crucial part of ending trafficking, they are not enough on their own. Many survivors face long-term physical, emotional, and economic harm that criminal law alone does not address. That’s where civil legal remedies are essential.
Survivors of sex trafficking may pursue civil claims, including but not limited to:
- Human trafficking civil actions under federal and state statutes
- Negligence and premises liability (e.g., against third parties who enabled trafficking)
- Fraud or coercion claims
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress
Civil cases can help survivors access damages for loss of income, medical costs, trauma treatment, and more, and they can bring accountability to individuals and businesses that profited from exploitation but may escape criminal charges.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we work with survivors and their families to pursue these civil pathways not just to hold traffickers accountable in court, but to help survivors rebuild their lives with dignity, resources, and justice.
Why This Matters
Every arrest, indictment, and criminal conviction sends a message: trafficking is not a victimless crime, and no one is above the law. As enforcement grows and data improves, we see that law enforcement can intervene and protect victims. But justice requires both criminal accountability and civil advocacy.
If you or a loved one has been affected by sex trafficking, you have legal options. The attorneys at Andreozzi + Foote understand the complexity of these cases, the trauma survivors endure, and the strategies needed to pursue justice in civil court. We’re here to help.
Contact us for a confidential consultation and learn how we can support you on the road to accountability and healing. 1-866-753-5458