As Houston prepares to host seven matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, elected officials, survivor advocates, law enforcement agencies and nonprofit organizations gathered Tuesday in Third Ward to educate residents about human trafficking and how to recognize its warning signs.
The “Houston on Alert: Human Trafficking Awareness Town Hall,” hosted by the Office of State Rep. Jolanda “Jo” Jones, focused on prevention, public awareness and survivor support ahead of the international event.
Although Jones was unable to attend in person, she addressed attendees by phone and shared a deeply personal connection to the issue.
“My aunt was from right here in Third Ward, and she was a victim of human trafficking,” Jones said. “She was murdered by her trafficker at the corner of Palm and Delano.”
Jones said the town hall was intended to help residents better understand how trafficking occurs and how communities can help protect vulnerable individuals.
“We’re not here to scare you. We’re here to educate you,” said Ivan Sanchez, district director for Jones. “We’re here to prepare people.”
Keynote speaker Maisha Colter, chief executive officer of Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA), challenged common misconceptions about trafficking, noting that victims often know the people exploiting them.
“Most of the time, people are going to be groomed by and know the person that is going to ultimately be their perpetrator or their trafficker,” Colter said.
She also emphasized that trafficking is not limited to commercial sex exploitation and can include labor trafficking, where workers are manipulated or coerced into providing labor without fair compensation.
Throughout the evening, speakers stressed that trafficking victims often do not fit common stereotypes.
“Not all women who have been trafficked look alike,” said Dr. Nissi Hamilton, a survivor of human trafficking and healthcare advocate. “Do not discriminate.”
Angela Williams, a survivor and founder of Roadway to Freedom, reminded attendees that traffickers often operate in plain sight.
“Traffickers go to the courts. Traffickers go to the churches. Traffickers go to the political events,” Williams said. “It can happen to anybody.”
Law enforcement officials encouraged residents to report suspicious activity while prioritizing their own safety.
“We tell you, see something, say something,” said Harris County Precinct 7 Sgt. Massey. “But we should be telling you to see something, say something safely.”
Representatives from organizations including Street Grace, Elijah Rising, Freedom Collaborative, United Against Human Trafficking and No Trafficking Zone shared resources available to victims and discussed efforts to strengthen prevention and response strategies throughout the Houston area.
Taylor Woodruff of United Against Human Trafficking said the city should be recognized not only for confronting trafficking challenges but also for building solutions.
“We’re not a place just with trafficking problems,” Woodruff said. “We’re a place of trafficking solutions.”
Organizers said they hope the event encourages residents to stay alert, learn the warning signs and support efforts to protect vulnerable individuals as Houston welcomes visitors from around the world.