As epicenter of human trafficking crisis, Texas’ largest city needs pro-law enforcement leadership

In recent years, major cities across the country have struggled to get rising crime under control. In major metro areas like Chicago, New York, and San Francisco, crime rates remain elevated above pre-pandemic levels, and Houston – the nation’s 4th largest city – is no exception.

Even more concerning, Houston remains an epicenter for human trafficking due to its proximity to the border and its massive size. Specifically, the stretch of Interstate 10 and the broader Harris County area have become notorious hotspots for this heinous crime. It’s past time for strong, pro-law enforcement leadership to take a more proactive approach at the local level to address this crisis.

Out of all 50 states, Texas ranks second for the most reported cases of trafficking with 1,702 victims being documented in human trafficking cases in 2021 alone. The horrifying truth is that this number barely scratches the surface of the issue – it’s estimated that at any given time 313,000 people are being trafficked in the Lone Star State. This trend is not for lack of strong pro-law enforcement leadership at the state level, but is a consequence of Texas’ geography, size, and proximity to the border. State law enforcement can’t tackle this problem alone – they need strong local partners.

The troubling rates of human trafficking, especially of minors across the city, underscores the urgent need for robust recruitment, more resources, and – most importantly – unwavering support for our law enforcement agencies. Houston is fortunate to have dedicated men and women in uniform who work tirelessly to combat this heinous crime. However, they need the support of their local government officials to effectively address the root causes and dismantle the networks that perpetuate human trafficking.

As a former police officer and border patrol agent, I understand firsthand how a lack of resources, funding and public support impedes law enforcement from being able to eradicate crime and effectively perform their job. 

Police act as frontline defenders of the community, meaning they’re often the first point of contact for trafficking victims. An expanded police presence, actively supported and prioritized by a city’s government officials, ensures that victims have timely access to the help they need. Officers are also among the few specially-trained individuals who understand how to detect the subtle – and sometimes invisible – signs of trafficking, handle victims with care and sensitivity, and conduct thorough investigations.

Houston's response to its current human trafficking crisis will be a defining moment for the metropolis. It will be a test of its collective commitment to public safety, criminal justice, and resilience. Houstonians deserve nothing less than leaders who prioritize the security and well-being of their constituents and the most vulnerable who fall prey to traffickers.

In this instance, that requires someone who will work tirelessly to protect the present and future victims of the scourge that is human trafficking.

In October of 2022, the consequences of questionable leadership in Harris County became evident through a scandal where crime statistics were falsely reported, whether knowingly or unknowingly, to the public in an attempt to portray a 12% decrease in violent crime.

Misinformation that portrays crime as an issue under control or being reduced gives the public a sense that complacency is alright.  If we genuinely intend to reduce violent crimes, it is imperative that we acknowledge their existence at the level they are and be relentless on an all-hands-on-board fight. Just like human trafficking victims whose stories often go untold or ignored, the victims of violent crime more broadly must be fully and comprehensively recognized if we want to truly tackle the crisis in rising crime. When local leaders fail to do so, it becomes impossible for law enforcement agencies to effectively work to eliminate threats to the communities they are sworn to protect.

The citizens of Houston need to elect a mayor who openly recognizes violent crime and human trafficking as symptoms of the same disease. This is not a problem that can be solved by law enforcement alone; it requires a multi-faceted approach that demands strong leadership at every level of government. If we hope to prevent this tragic problem from exacerbating, Houston needs powerful and decisive leadership that will devote more resources to tackling rising crime in the Bayou City.

Thomas Homan is a former police officer who served as Acting Director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from 2017-2018.