As part of a nationwide effort, Fox News partnered with the Austin Police Department to investigate and dismantle multiple illicit Chinese massage parlors linked to human trafficking. The operation, known as ‘Operation Coast to Coast,’ involved over 150 law enforcement agencies across Texas, North Carolina, California, Missouri, and New York. During the raids, officers encountered disheveled rooms filled with mattresses, towels, and shower beds, suggesting the presence of forced labor and sexual exploitation.
A loudspeaker announced a search warrant, signaling the start of a raid on one of the massage parlors. Law enforcement found signs of trafficking, including cash and paperwork. Another illegal parlor was raided simultaneously, where a woman was found sleeping, suggesting others were living there as victims. The operation resulted in over 30 arrests and the rescue of more than 60 victims, including over 30 children. According to reports, the youngest victim was only 14 years old and was trafficked through escort sites, forced to service over 10 men daily.
Dan Nash, founder of the Human Trafficking Training Center, emphasized the growing threat of Chinese organized crime in the United States, noting that the majority of the agencies involved in the fight against illegal massage parlors are collaborating to address the issue. ‘About half of the agencies we work with will pursue the illicit massage industry, which is the fastest-growing form of trafficking in America,’ Nash stated. The operation reflects a broader national effort to protect victims and address the underlying causes of human trafficking.
In addition to the arrests and rescues, the Safe House Project, a national nonprofit organization, was involved in the operation to ensure victims receive the necessary support and assistance. The organization reported serving over 1,500 trafficking victims last year and is on track to serve more than 3,000 in 2024. The nonprofit provided on-site victim service counselors and was working to match victims with safe homes equipped to meet their specific needs.
Lt. John Brooks of the Austin Police Department highlighted the challenges faced in these operations, stating that the victims are often exploited and forced into situations that are extremely difficult to escape. ‘Quite often, they are victimized, forced, coerced, threatened in some way,’ Brooks said. The police department is focused on a victim-centered approach to ensure that victims have access to the resources and support needed to rebuild their lives. This operation represents a significant step in the ongoing national effort to combat human trafficking and dismantle the networks that support it.