With National Human Trafficking Awareness Month underway in January, FBI El Paso is warning residents that exploitation can be a lot closer than they think. Agents say trafficking is not just a border issue; it can be tucked into everyday workplaces and public spaces, with victims so tightly controlled that many never feel safe coming forward.
FBI El Paso Supervisory Special Agent Edward Dominguez told KVIA that in fiscal year 2025, the bureau opened more than 900 human trafficking investigations and secured over 500 arrests. He also told the station that, so far in fiscal year 2026, the FBI has opened more than 200 cases, a total of 225 investigations, and made roughly 150 arrests to date.
"It's hard to quantify that number because, well, sometimes we don't know where to look. It's hidden in plain sight," Dominguez told KVIA. He said labor trafficking can be buried inside legitimate businesses, including restaurants, construction crews, and nail salons, and that many victims do not always recognize the coercion that keeps them trapped.
Why Texas Shows High Case Counts
Texas has long ranked near the top for human trafficking hotline contacts and identified cases, a pattern tied to the state’s large population, range of industries, and major transportation corridors. That broader statewide backdrop shows up in hotline signals and case counts, as outlined by the Houston Chronicle.
Warning Signs To Watch For
Officials say the clues are often subtle. Someone may seem unusually controlled by another person, hold hotel keys or credit cards they cannot explain, or be a child with a phone they refuse to let anyone else touch. The National Human Trafficking Hotline notes that red flags can include both physical abuse and psychological pressure.
How To Report
If you suspect someone may be trafficked, you can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or dial 911 if there is immediate danger, according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Residents can also contact the FBI El Paso at (915) 832-5000 or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov, as listed by the FBI El Paso Field Office.
Officials say awareness month alone will not stop exploitation, but community tips and trained responders can bring hidden cases into the open and allow multi-agency teams to investigate and rescue victims. Local and federal partners continue to push for reports and confidential referrals so investigators can follow leads without putting survivors at further risk, and experts highlight those strategies in guidance aimed at law enforcement and communities working on trafficking response.
