𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗢𝗥𝗦 𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗢𝗟𝗩𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗛𝗨𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗛𝗨𝗧 𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡 𝗔𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘; 𝟭𝟯 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗢𝗟𝗗 𝗚𝗜𝗥𝗟 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗨𝗘𝗗

      by Jim Barton   Sources: WRBL News, Border Report

Texas authorities have intensified their crackdown on massage parlors linked to human trafficking, shutting down dozens of establishments across the state while rescuing a 13-year-old girl who was being forced to work at one of them.

According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), since late 2023 the agency has issued 51 emergency orders affecting 70 locations, resulting in the permanent or indefinite closure of 53 massage parlors suspected of ties to human trafficking and prostitution. The closures stem from a 2023 law signed by Gov. Greg Abbott granting TDLR’s executive director authority to issue immediate shutdown orders if there is reason to believe human trafficking is taking place.

One of the most disturbing cases surfaced this month in Houston, where a joint investigation by TDLR, the FBI, a Harris County constable Precinct 4, and the Harris County Sheriff’s Department revealed that employees at Rainbow Foot Relax Massage were being coerced into prostitution. Investigators also discovered that the business was advertising sexual services on illicit websites. During the operation, deputies rescued a 13-year-old girl who was allegedly being forced to work at the parlor. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez confirmed that the girl is now safe and receiving support services, crediting the rescue to a tip from a concerned resident.

Three people connected to the business, 76-year-old owner Shi Shin Chow, his wife, 52-year-old Chenxi Zou and 43-year-old manager Yuqin McGee, were arrested and charged with promotion of prostitution. All three were booked into the Harris County Jail before bonding out. In addition to the arrests, TDLR has prohibited the operators from running another massage establishment at the Houston location for at least 12 months.

The case highlights the broader scope of illicit massage operations uncovered across Texas. In Austin, investigators recently shut down two businesses, including Rejuve Wellness LLC, where unlicensed workers were discovered and advertisements offering sexual services were found online. In Laredo, a parlor known as 168 Foot Spa was permanently banned after inspectors linked it to human smuggling and prostitution. Similar violations, including unlicensed workers, evidence of employees living on-site, and sexual paraphernalia, were documented at parlors in Midland, Katy, Spring, Plano, Big Spring, and Houston, many owned by the same operator.

Authorities say these investigations demonstrate a troubling trend of massage parlors doubling as fronts for human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Since September 2023, when the new state law went into effect, TDLR has issued nearly 40 additional emergency orders targeting such establishments.

While the statewide closures reflect growing law enforcement pressure on these operations, officials emphasized that the rescue of the Houston teenager underscores what is at stake. “This young girl is safe today because someone spoke up and because agencies worked together to stop this criminal enterprise,” Sheriff Gonzalez said.

Investigators are urging the public to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activity, stressing that community involvement is critical in combating human trafficking and rescuing victims hidden in plain sight.