Border Massage Parlor Shut Down Amid Sex Trafficking Investigation

State Regulators Uncover Illegal Operations at Laredo Establishment

Texas authorities have shut down a massage parlor in Laredo following an investigation that revealed potential human trafficking activities and multiple regulatory violations. The 168 Foot Spa, located in the South Texas border town, received a six-month suspension order on Tuesday from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The closure is another development in the state’s intensified efforts to combat illegal massage operations and human trafficking along the border region.

5 Key Points

• Unlicensed massage services are provided at the facility.
• Evidence of employees living within establishment premises.
• Sexual services are advertised on illicit websites.
• The closure is part of a more extensive undercover police operation in the border city.
• Emergency closure marks the 14th such order since September 2023.

Texas Agency Takes Swift Action Against 168-Foot Spa

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has suspended operations at 168 Foot Spa in Laredo, Texas, following disturbing discoveries during a recent inspection. The border town establishment faces a six-month operational suspension after investigators uncovered multiple violations, including evidence suggesting human trafficking activities. The enforcement action, announced Thursday, represents a significant step in the state’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal massage operations along the border.

Multiple Violations Lead to Immediate Closure

State regulators discovered several serious violations during their inspection of 168 Foot Spa. Investigators found employees living within the establishment, a practice explicitly prohibited by state regulations. Further investigation revealed that staff members lacked proper Texas massage therapy licensing. The facility also allegedly advertised sexual services through illicit online platforms, prompting immediate regulatory action.

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Law Enforcement Involvement and Recent Legislative Action

The closure stems from recent undercover operations conducted by the Laredo Police Department targeting multiple massage establishments. During these operations, law enforcement reported that a massage therapist at the facility offered sexual services to an undercover officer, resulting in an arrest. The shutdown was executed under new legislation signed by Governor Greg Abbott in June 2023, granting TDLR’s executive director authority to issue emergency closure orders when human trafficking is suspected.

State Licensing Requirements and Oversight

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation maintains strict oversight of massage establishments through regular inspections and licensing requirements. Licensed facilities undergo unscheduled inspections every two years, focusing on proper documentation, sanitation standards, and compliance with state regulations. All massage therapy professionals must complete comprehensive background checks, including national fingerprint screening, to obtain and maintain their licenses.

Ongoing Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking

The closure of 168 Foot Spa represents part of a broader initiative to address human trafficking concerns in Texas border communities. Since implementing new regulations in September 2023, state officials have issued fourteen emergency closure orders, demonstrating increased enforcement efforts against potentially illegal massage operations.