TAMIU Center to Counter Human Trafficking Hosts Conference Focused on Healthcare Professionals

An initiative to help equip Laredo’s healthcare community with practical tools to identify and address human trafficking in their practice was the focus of a one-day conference, “Mixed Reality and Healthcare Practice:  Local Innovations in Human Trafficking Response” July 22, 2025 at Texas A&M International University’s (TAMIU) Student Center Ballroom.

The Conference, attended by over 100 participants, was presented by TAMIU’s Center to Counter Human Trafficking (CCHT).   Among healthcare entities represented were: Laredo Health Promoters, the TAMIU  College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Laredo College Health Program, Laredo Medical Center, Laredo Independent School District, TAMIU Police Department, City of Laredo Health Department and  Casa de Misericordia,

Also, Tropical Texas Behavioral Health, United Independent School District, Border Region, Mercy Ministries of Laredo, Consulado General de México en Laredo, Children's Advocacy Center of Laredo and  the Texas Emergency Network Diversion.

Dr. Claudia San Miguel, TAMIU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs and the Center’s principal investigator, said the Conference targeted the healthcare community because of its increased likelihood of human trafficking encounters.

“For over 20 years, my research has focused on the lasting ramifications of human trafficking and has revealed that a multidisciplinary, data-driven approach that combines frontline border law agency and health care provider insights can best drive the most effective response. This Conference targets our dedicated healthcare community by providing practical tools, connections to local resources, and an opportunity to be part of a mixed-reality experience that provides hands-on skill building,” Dr. San Miguel explained.

Among Conference highlights were an overview of human trafficking and common misconceptions about it; insights from research conducted by the CCHT grant about the forms of sex and labor trafficking common in South Texas; a guide to local resources available for trafficking survivors, and trauma-informed strategies for providing comprehensive community support.

Human trafficking is one of the most profitable and prevalent transnational crimes. According to the U.S. Department of State, around the globe, an estimated 27 million people are exploited for labor, services, and commercial sex.

The crime of human trafficking takes different forms in every local context, depending on the economy, culture, and vulnerable populations in a community. Most research and training on human trafficking takes place statewide or nationally, leaving an urgent need for locally tailored information – especially in border communities.

Manuel Guillén, CCHT program manager, said the Center is committed to growth and the July 22 Conference helps affirm this.

“We are actively working with a dedicated team of experts, students, and faculty from TAMIU to expand these initiatives. As our efforts continue to grow, as seen with this Conference, we remain committed to raising awareness, strengthening collaboration, and making our community safer through education and proactive engagement,” Guillén said.

He shared that a future CCHT Conference  is being planned for September with a special focus on educators.

“This professional gathering will welcome a broad range of participants, including classroom teachers, teacher aides, truancy officers, counselors, and school administrators. It aims to equip attendees with trauma-informed communication strategies for engaging with children and will provide actionable tools to teach students about human trafficking across all P–12 grade levels,” Guillén explained. 

Launched in 2024, TAMIU’s CCHT research program was funded by a $1 million Congressionally-directed FY ’23 grant secured by Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28).

The CCHT has built a strong foundation by establishing a collaborative network of border stakeholders to enhance coordination within the Center. The Center brings together key local agencies—including law enforcement, state departments, local organizations, faith-based agencies, the District Attorney’s office, and other entities engaged in addressing human trafficking—to strengthen its collective efforts.

In addition to ongoing research and training initiatives, CCHT achievements include the formation of a 12-member Advisory Board consisting of diverse stakeholders from Laredo and across Texas; strict confidentiality measures to ensure insightful input from Board members; the development of a comprehensive database of agencies for further research and collaboration, and a multidisciplinary approach to foster strong partnerships across sectors. 

For additional information on TAMIU’s Center to Counter Human Trafficking and upcoming initiatives, contact the Center at ccht@tamiu.edu, phone 956.326.2247, or visit its dedicated website at https://www.tamiu.edu/provost/ccht/

Registration for TAMIU’s Summer and Fall 2025 is online via Uconnect.

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