Eight illegal massage parlors were shut down across the state, three of which were right here at home, due to violations that linked them to possible human trafficking.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation issued a six-month emergency closure order effective May 19, 2025, for eight massage establishments suspected of human trafficking in six cities, including –
- Sunny Massage, 2814 W. Wall St., Midland, Texas
- Julie’s Massage, 1106 Spell Ave., Cleburne, Texas
- Tongfuxin LLC d/b/a A Pattaya Massage, 725 Hill Country Dr., Kerrville, Texas
- Pattaya Foot Reflexology, 1359 W. University Blvd., Ste. C, Odessa, Texas
- Thai Massage, 2803 Andrews Hwy., Odessa, Texas
- Family Reflexology, 5807 S.W. 45th Ave., Ste. 345, Amarillo, Texas
- Best Foot Spa, 7412 S. University Ave., Ste. 2, Lubbock, Texas
- Family Reflexology, 2605 Wolfin Ave, Amarillo, Texas
“A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to be in Amarillo with TDLR, and Amarillo Police Department, to be on the scene as we were able to shutdown a couple there, hold them accountable, said Lisa Bownds, the founder of Reflection Ministries, and organization focused on supporting and rescuing victims of human trafficking in the Basin. “Then, also provide a translator to be able to talk to victims and which has been huge.”
The Odessa Police Department has worked with law enforcement to detect human trafficking.
“Now they have a new training, a state training which is offered currently by DPS, but I was able to take it,” said Steve LeSueur, the Public Information Officer with OPD. “Its an awesome training, its IPC, which stands for Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) of children.”
The National Human Trafficking Hotline shared common signs of human trafficking:
- Live where they work or are transported by guards between home and workplace.
- Are children who live with or are dependent on a family member with a substance use problem or who is abusive.
- Have a “pimp” or “manager” in the commercial sex industry.
- Work in an industry where it may be common to be pressured into performing sex acts for money, such as a strip club, illicit cantina, go-go bar, or illicit massage business.
- Have a controlling parent, guardian, romantic partner, or “sponsor” who will not allow them to meet or speak with anyone alone or who monitors their movements, spending, or communications.
