Texas Takes Action On Troubling Human Trafficking in Fort Worth

Here in Abilene, we’ve stood alongside Beyond Trafficking and its founder, Stephanie Rocha, from the beginning. From walking events to live radio broadcasts, we’ve carried the message loud and clear: "Human trafficking is happening here in Texas, and it has to be stopped." Rocha has been a constant voice reminding us that trafficking isn’t a problem somewhere else; it’s in our communities, and victims need protection.

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TDLR Shuts Down More Locations

Now, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has stepped in again. On September 8, 2025, officials issued a 12-month emergency closure order against Asian Spa in Fort Worth, citing strong indicators of human trafficking. This isn’t the first time that address has been flagged; another business at the same location was shut down earlier this year for the same concerns.

Investigators reported signs of people living inside the business, advertisements on illicit websites, and evidence of prostitution. According to TDLR, since late 2023, they’ve issued more than 50 emergency orders tied to human trafficking, impacting over 70 establishments statewide.

Why Massage Businesses?

Many people are asking why so many massage parlors are linked to trafficking cases. Experts, including those we’ve spoken with at Beyond Trafficking Abilene, point to the secrecy of the industry, cash-based operations, and the ability for traffickers to hide victims in plain sight. Unfortunately, that makes these places prime targets for exploitation.

After receiving this information from the TDLR I reached out to Stephanie Rocha for a comment. Here's what Ms. Rocha had to say:

“I will say our judicial system is working really hard to be educated and to understand. I don’t know if you saw this, but one of the local human traffickers got a 195-year prison sentence, and so this was the first time that one of our judges has stood up like the way he did and said ‘Not in our community!’ So, I do think that the Abilene community is starting to fight back."

How Texans Can Help

If you suspect trafficking, you’re urged to call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to 233733 (BeFree). In an emergency, always call 911. You can also report suspicious massage establishments directly to TDLR.

Here in Abilene, we’ll continue to work with Beyond Trafficking and community leaders to shine a light on the issue. This fight isn’t over, and it’s going to take all of us to protect the vulnerable.