Harris County Commissioners Court on Jan. 9 adopted a resolution recognizing Jan. 11 as Human Trafficking Awareness Day and approved a tri-party agreement to keep six gates closed on parts of the Bissonnet corridor, an area where officials said schoolchildren were being targeted for trafficking recruitment.

Commissioner Briones, who brought the resolution, called trafficking "modern-day slavery" and described partnerships with nonprofits, law enforcement and school districts as central to prevention work. "We will be doing everything possible to combat human trafficking in our region," she said.

Speakers from local nonprofits and law enforcement described outreach and victim services. "These are real people with real faces and real families," said Gabby Campbell, interim CEO of The Landing, which provides survivor care. Angela Welton, bureau chief for special victims at the Harris County District Attorney's Office, told a survivor story to illustrate how traffickers recruit and isolate young people.

Commissioners also approved a tri-party agreement among Precinct 4, the Houston Police Department and Southwest Management District that funds and installs six gates in spots identified by HPD as recruitment hotspots. Commissioner Briones said the gates and related enforcement have coincided with a one-year, two-mile radius crime reduction of about 37 percent near the installed gates, though she and staff noted multiple factors can influence crime trends.

Law enforcement leaders thanked the court for pay increases and capital investments that they say support training and response; Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and other chiefs spoke at the resolution. County staff said existing investments in training facilities and raises were part of a continuing effort to support officers and partner agencies.

The court heard public praise for the gates and for coordinated prevention efforts; commissioners urged continued partnership among law enforcement, schools and community groups as the county prepares for large events such as the 2026 World Cup.