Another Shocking Shut Down of a Texas Massage Parlor

Another Shocking Closure of a Massage Parlor in Texas

It's happened again. Yes, another Texas massage parlor has been shut down for human trafficking and prostitution. This time, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) issued a six-month emergency closure order for V Massage in Corpus Christi after an undercover police investigation involving Corpus Christi Police, TDLR Officers, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Investigators uncovered human trafficking, and prostitution. This marks the 20th emergency order issued since the law allowing these shutdowns took effect on September 2023.

I have so many questions like, "How many more of these so-called massage parlors do we have to expose before this disgusting industry is wiped out for good?" Furthermore, how is it these massage therapists can get their license if they are being human trafficked and prostituted?

Why Do These Places Keep Popping Up?

I’m getting frustrated. Every few months, we hear about another one of these places being busted, and yet, it’s clear they’re still thriving across the Lone Star State . Why? Because there are people willing to pay for "special services." Let’s not sugarcoat this, the reason these shady establishments keep opening is because some men (and sometimes women) keep seeking out these illegal services.

It’s not enough to just shut down the parlors. If we want to put an end to human trafficking in Texas, we need to go after the people funding it, the customers. Law enforcement needs to crack down on the men walking into these places just as much as they do on the owners providing these services.

The Reality of What’s Happening

Think about the victims. These are real women and children, often trafficked, manipulated, or outright forced into this life, who have no choice but to do what they're told. Some of them are living inside at the massage parlors, unable to escape. The authorities found clear evidence of people living inside the business, proving that these women were not there by their own choice.

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I know someone, a supervisor at my workplace, who went to a massage parlor for legitimate back and neck pain, only to be offered “extra services” while on the table. He got up, walked out and reported it to the authorities. Three days later, that business was shut down. Right here in Abilene, Texas.

Fear of Visiting a Legitimate Massage Therapist

It’s gotten to the point where I wouldn’t even consider stepping into a massage therapy business, and that’s a shame. After cutting and hauling four cords of wood, I could really use one right about now, but I won’t risk it. Who wants to walk into a place and wonder whether you’re going to be paying for someone being forced into that job, or being offered something illegal?

What Can We Do?

It’s clear that TDLR and law enforcement are doing their best to shut down these places, but it’s not enough. Here’s what needs to happen:

1. Harsher penalties: Not just for the owners, but for the people funding this industry. Arrest the customers too.
2. More awareness: We need to educate Texans on how to spot these illegal businesses and report them.
3. Support the victims: Many of these women don’t have a way out. We need better resources to help them escape this life.
4. Hold landlords accountable: If you’re renting out a space and suddenly there’s all kinds of shady activity going on, you should be held responsible too.

Report It – Don’t Ignore It

If you suspect human trafficking, don’t stay silent. Report it:

• National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to BeFree (233733)
• In an emergency: Call 911
• File a complaint with TDLR: Report businesses suspected of human trafficking

We can’t let this continue. It’s time to shut them ALL down.