About the event:

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Houston is one of the largest hubs for human trafficking in the nation and the largest hub in Texas.Some internationally trafficked persons are lured by false promises of education and a better life in the United States.In other situations, what begins as a smuggling arrangement can turn into a case of human trafficking. In these schemes, smuggled persons are forced into coercive labor agreements upon arrival in order to pay off smuggling debts, and additional, “unforeseen” smuggling costs incurred during transportation are often added to the total. Held hostage by debt, threat of deportation, arrest or worse, how are these victims being protected? On October 13th at 7pm, World Affairs Council of Greater Houston is proud to host Texas State Representative and former Chief Human Trafficking Prosecutor of Harris County, Ann Johnson for a discussion about human trafficking and what the Texas government has done to protect victims of human trafficking.

About the speakers: 

Chris Graves is the Associate Director of Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence in the Office of Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Dennis Mark is the Task Force Coordinator for the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance Task Force of the Southern District.

Sergeant Robert Medel, Jr. is the Supervisor of the Houston Police Department’s Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance.

Please Note – Due to the ongoing third Special Session of the Texas House, Representative Ann Johnson is unable to take part in this event in Houston.