Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas Human trafficking is a very serious & real problem in Texas. There are people being smuggled into this country illegally for prostitution & other illegal purposes every day. It is imperative that our state act said State Rep. Charlie Howard (R-Ft. Bend) prior to laying out House Bill 892 creating a state jail felony for the trafficking of illegal aliens before the House Committee on State Affairs.
Human trafficking is a serious and growing problem in Texas the U.S. and throughout the world. According to a study performed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration & Customs Enforcement:
- 800000 victims are trafficked across international borders each year
- 80 are women
- 50 of these victims are minors
- An estimated annual revenue of $32 billion dollars is involved
- Human trafficking is the 2nd largest criminal industry in the world
Due to its geographical location and diverse population Texas is disproportionately impacted by the crime of human trafficking.
In 2008 the Texas Attorney Generals Office reported that 20 percent of human trafficking victims identified nationwide were in Texas. The I-10 corridor between El Paso and Houston has been identified by the Department
of Justice as the states main trafficking route with Houston being identified as one of the most significant trafficking hubs in the country.
The state of Texas must continue to be a leader in our country by establishing sound public policy that addresses the serious issues said Howard.
I believe that the House Committee on State Affairs as well as the rest of the Texas Legislature will find House Bill 892 to be an effective method to combat human trafficking in our state Howard said.
