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9 Houston bars suspended after human trafficking sting
The operation is believed to be the largest such investigation of suspected human trafficking at TABC-licensed businesses in state history.
HOUSTON - More than 200 individuals were involved in simultaneous raids on Oct. 18 at nine Houston-area bars suspected of being involved in human trafficking.
The joint action resulted in TABC suspending the nine businesses’ liquor licenses, and 84 suspected victims being identified. The operation is believed to be the largest such investigation of suspected human trafficking at TABC-licensed businesses in state history, according to TABC Chairman Kevin J. Lilly.
NEW: 84 victims identified in sex trafficking bust that shut down 9 Houston bars
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has cracked down on several Houston-area bars, issuing emergency suspensions due to their involvement in human trafficking and prostitution. With 84 potential victims identified and the possibility of additional measures looming, experts underline the severity of trafficking in the region.
"This operation’s success is the result of careful investigation, undercover work, and coordination between TABC and our partners in the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance," Lilly said. "Human trafficking is a stain on our society, and it’s unfortunately more prevalent than most Texans realize."
Four arrests were made during the raids. They all received various charges related to human trafficking, prostitution, promotion of prostitution and aggravated promotion of prostitution. The names of those arrested were not revealed during the news conference.
RELATED: 9 Houston bars, clubs suspended by TABC for alleged human trafficking
"What we have created, ladies and gentlemen, is not the American Dream, but for these people it's the American nightmare," Lilly said. "I witnessed, myself, the deplorable conditions of these establishments. It was horrific. They look, on the outside, like a regular bar, or nightclub with a bar, a dance floor, pool tables. But behind them is a labyrinth of hidden rooms, cement floors, closet-sized with soiled mattresses. An actual house of horrors, hiding within the trap doors and secret doors of these establishments. Where these young women run through an assembly line of horrific treatment and sexual abuse. Some 30 times a day. From four in the afternoon until two in the morning. Imagine that. These are daughters. These are children, these are sisters, going through this awful experience at the hands of these cartels. But the cartels operate in the shadows, and we need to be aware of this. We need to add to the American people an awareness of this horrific crime that's going on."
Investigators say operations like these are considered brothels, which are "extremely common" in Houston.
"This is not a political statement," Lilly said. "This is not for democrats or republicans. This is for humanity. The open border has created the American nightmare. The sense of benevolence has actually turned its evil head upon these innocent victims."
During the news conference, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said, "For those operating these human trafficking criminal organizations, we're coming after you."
Bars Suspended in Houston Human Trafficking Bust
- El Flamingo Club, 3715 Aldine Mail Rt.
- Koko Bongo, 955 Federal Rd.
- Los Escorpiones #2, 1636 Federal Rd.
- Los Escorpiones #5, 2815 Luell St.
- El Cruzero Sports Bar, 7715 W. Hardy
- Bora Bora Sports Bar, 11028 Aldine Westfield Rd.
- El Rinconcito Night Club, 743 Freeport St.
- La Condesa, 8810 Jensen Dr.
- Las Margaritas Night Club, 210 E. Little York Rd.
No alcohol may be served or sold at the locations while the businesses’ TABC licenses/permits are suspended. The case remains under investigation by TABC, the Houston Police Department, and other members of HTRA.