Texas undercover prostitution sting leads to 16 arrests

Jose Alvarado was one of 167 people arrested by Harlingen (Texas) Police in a large scale sex trade sting July 21-22, 2017. Jose Alvarado was one of 167 people arrested by Harlingen (Texas) Police in a large scale sex trade sting July 21-22, 2017. Photo: Harlingen Police Department Photo: Harlingen Police Department Image 1 of / 290 Caption Close Texas undercover prostitution sting leads to 16 arrests 1 / 290 Back to Gallery

Sixteen people were arrested in what authorities are calling a "large scale" undercover prostitution sting this weekend near the Mexican border in South Texas.

Harlingen Police's Organized Crime Unit conducted the two-day operation July 21-22 in the city's Gutierrez Park area. There, undercover officers were approached by multiple suspects who either solicited sex acts in exchange for money or agreed to engage in those acts.

Each interaction was recorded on video and audio, and the suspects were arrested.

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According to Harlingen Police, the operation was funded in part by a grant from Texas Border Star, which aids police agencies in battling organized crime, as well as human trafficking of men, women, children and immigrants.

Also assisting were the Cameron County District Attorney's Offices, Combes Police, the City of Harlingen Municipal Court and the State of Texas.