Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance

of the

Southern District of Texas

Our Purpose

Trafficking in persons is a form of modern-day slavery and a particular problem in Texas with its many miles of border with Mexico. Traffickers often prey on the poor, frequently unemployed or under employed, and who may lack access to social safety nets. Victims are often lured with false promises of good jobs and better lives, while being forced to work under brutal and inhumane conditions. The Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance, originally established in 2004 under the auspices of a Federal Bureau of Justice Assistance grant to the Harris County Sheriff's Office, is a collaboration of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies working together with area social service organizations. Key to the task force's success are the close partnerships between member agencies that enhance effectiveness in identifying and assisting the victims of human trafficking, then apprehending and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses.

"...neither slavery nor involuntary servitude (except as punishment for a duly convicted crime) shall exist within the United States or any place subject to their jurisdiction..."

13th Amendment to the Constitution (1865)

Our Mission

Our Training

HTRA members have frequently been called upon to serve as presenters at national conferences and to provide technical assistance to other task forces and agencies involved in combating human trafficking. Through this outreach conducted under the ECM 2016 grant, representatives of member agencies have trained an estimated 5,500 individuals from federal and state law enforcement, and other non-governmental organizations on trafficking issues.

Our Partnership

The collaboration between agencies has grown since 2004, and the central agencies have shifted over time. Re-organized at the end of 2016 under a new BJA grant issued to the Houston Police Department, the HTRA of the US Southern District of Texas is recognized as a national model for task force construction and effectiveness.

Our Success

This revitalized HTRA saw a reported 849 victims recovered by member agencies, many of which have been referred to either the YMCA victims services overseers or the Texas Office of the Attorney General's as part of that institution's efforts with their Child Sex Trafficking Team.