MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – Eight illicit massage parlors across Texas, including three in the Permian Basin, were shut down for suspected ties to human trafficking.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) issued emergency six-month closure orders on May 19, 2025, targeting businesses in six cities. The shutdown list includes:
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Sunny Massage, 2814 W. Wall St., Midland
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Julie’s Massage, 1106 Spell Ave., Cleburne
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A Pattaya Massage, 725 Hill Country Dr., Kerrville
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Pattaya Foot Reflexology, 1359 W. University Blvd., Ste. C, Odessa
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Thai Massage, 2803 Andrews Hwy., Odessa
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Family Reflexology, 5807 S.W. 45th Ave., Ste. 345, Amarillo
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Best Foot Spa, 7412 S. University Ave., Ste. 2, Lubbock
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Family Reflexology, 2605 Wolfin Ave, Amarillo
Lisa Bownds, founder of Reflection Ministries, which aids trafficking survivors in the Basin, praised the enforcement efforts.
“A few weeks ago, we were in Amarillo with TDLR and local police to help shut down a few parlors and connect with victims using a translator. That’s been a huge breakthrough,” she said.
In Odessa, the police department is ramping up its training to better identify and respond to trafficking cases.
“There’s a new state training offered by DPS—Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC),” said OPD Public Information Officer Steve LeSueur. “I’ve taken it, and it’s an excellent resource for recognizing and responding to child exploitation.”
The National Human Trafficking Hotline outlines key red flags that may indicate someone is being trafficked:
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Living where they work or being transported by guards
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Minors dependent on abusive or addicted guardians
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Having a “pimp” or “manager” in the sex industry
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Working in high-risk venues like strip clubs, go-go bars, or illicit massage parlors
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Being closely monitored by a partner, guardian, or sponsor who restricts their movement or communication
Community leaders and law enforcement hope these recent closures are just the beginning of a wider effort to dismantle human trafficking operations throughout Texas.
