LOCAL NONPROFIT CELEBRATES PERMANENT INJUNCTION AGAINST HOUSTON BUSINESS OWNER FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING VIOLATIONS

HOUSTON, TX – (SEPT 25, 2024) – The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)  announced a successful injunction against a Houston-area man who owned nine illicit massage establishments, permanently barring Hsin Wei Chen, aka Andy Chen, from owning, operating, managing or working in any massage establishment in Texas. 

The injunction is a result of the first emergency order issued by the TDLR since HB 3579 went into effect in September 2023, allowing TDLR to issue an emergency order halting the operations of any massage establishment if human trafficking is suspected.. 

“We are encouraged to see increased awareness in our community and progress in dismantling these operations. We will continue to work tirelessly to raise awareness of the signs of trafficking and support those affected” says David Gamboa, Communications Director of local anti-trafficking nonprofit Elijah Rising.

Elijah Rising fights trafficking through prayer, awareness, intervention, and restoration. Their awareness efforts reach hundreds of thousands of people, and their intervention teams go out weekly to reach women where they are being trafficked.

On Thursday, Oct 17, Elijah Rising will host their annual gala to raise funds to continue their efforts combating trafficking. The evening will be a gathering of community members, advocates, and leaders united in the fight against trafficking. The gala will feature stories of hope and transformation from those directly impacted by the organization’s work.

Guests will enjoy a formal dinner and opportunities to engage with Elijah Rising’s mission. The gala aims to raise $400,000 to support reaching and restoring women who have survived trafficking.

“We believe that together we can illuminate hope and bring awareness to the issue of human trafficking in our community,” says Executive Director Micah Gamboa. “This gala not only raises vital funds for our programs but also serves as an opportunity to educate and mobilize our community in this urgent fight.”

Tickets can be purchased at http://elijahrising.org/gala