Harper explained that traffickers often use their own homes or cheap motels for these acts, driven by the need to fund their drug habits.
"If their main goal is to get money for drugs, then they're not going to go to a hotel or a very expensive hotel or Airbnbs," she said.
The FBI is working alongside nonprofits like the Paso del Norte Center of Hope to combat human trafficking through education and support services. Nicole Schiff, the executive director of the Center of Hope, highlighted the prevalence of trafficking in El Paso, comparing it to major cities like Houston and Dallas.
Unfortunately, Texas is ranked second in the nation for trafficking," Schiff said. "People in our region just aren't believing that it's here.Schiff noted that 92% of their clients in the past two years have been U.S. citizens, dispelling the misconception that the border is the primary factor. The Center of Hope currently manages about 40 active cases, with a waitlist for services."We've had a case where the dad was the trafficker," Schiff said. "We've had a case where mom sold her daughter to a trafficker for the money because she needed it for drugs."The Center of Hope connects survivors to legal aid, support, and education programs, empowering victims to rebuild their futures. Both the FBI and advocates stress the importance of reporting suspicious activity promptly."There are a lot of legal reporting requirements for individuals that are either teachers, doctors, just caregivers in general," Harper said. "If they observe their child or they believe that they're a victim of sexual abuse, they are legally required to report that to somebody within 24 to 48 hours."
Unfortunately, Texas is ranked second in the nation for trafficking," Schiff said. "People in our region just aren't believing that it's here.Schiff noted that 92% of their clients in the past two years have been U.S. citizens, dispelling the misconception that the border is the primary factor. The Center of Hope currently manages about 40 active cases, with a waitlist for services."We've had a case where the dad was the trafficker," Schiff said. "We've had a case where mom sold her daughter to a trafficker for the money because she needed it for drugs."The Center of Hope connects survivors to legal aid, support, and education programs, empowering victims to rebuild their futures. Both the FBI and advocates stress the importance of reporting suspicious activity promptly."There are a lot of legal reporting requirements for individuals that are either teachers, doctors, just caregivers in general," Harper said. "If they observe their child or they believe that they're a victim of sexual abuse, they are legally required to report that to somebody within 24 to 48 hours."