Overview

• Advocates and community leaders gathered outside City Hall on Monday to urge increased resources to combat sex trafficking ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
• The action included a press conference and a Freedom Ride Caravan that looped around downtown to elevate the call for city prioritization of prevention, enforcement, and survivor care.
• Organizers pointed to unofficial 2021 Houston Police Department figures citing 480 prostitution-related operations, 76 identified victims, 65 potential victims, and 144 smuggling cases.
• Speakers referenced recent arrests near the Bissonnet Track and said current city and HPD initiatives remain inadequate despite acknowledged partnerships.
• Participants included Houston Millennials, survivors, faith leaders, and nonprofits such as Elijah Rising, the YMCA Trafficking Assistance Program, Blossoming Strength, and Hearts of Grace.