Human trafficking is a growing concern across the country — and hotels are often caught in the middle. Many hotel owners don’t realize how important their role is in helping law enforcement identify and stop trafficking activity.
That’s why we invited Sheriff Joshua Ray of Guadalupe County to share a message specifically for hotel owners. Whether you own a small roadside inn or manage a large franchise, this message is for you.
🎥 Watch the Sheriff’s message to hotel owners below:
Signs to Watch For
According to Sheriff Ray, the number one sign of possible trafficking is:
“An abnormal amount of foot traffic going in and out of one room — especially if it’s unfamiliar males showing up repeatedly.”
As a hotel owner or manager, your staff is on the front lines. Train your team to be alert for:
Lots of visitors to a single room, especially at night
Guests avoiding eye contact or using fake names
Young individuals who seem controlled by someone else
Cash payments for multiple nights, especially with few belongings
If something feels off — it probably is.
What to Do (And What NOT to Do)
It’s critical that hotel staff and owners never confront a guest directly.
“Don’t try to engage,” Sheriff Ray advised. “Alert law enforcement and let us handle it.”
Here’s what you should do instead:
Quietly gather details: room number, visitor times, vehicle descriptions
Notify your local police department or sheriff’s office
Document what you’ve seen without escalating the situation
This approach helps keep your staff safe and ensures the best chance of a successful investigation.
Want to Help? Law Enforcement Needs You
Sheriff Ray shared how one Seguin hotel owner played a key role in a major sting operation. That owner’s willingness to work with law enforcement led to:
The arrest of multiple suspects
Recovery of two trafficking victims
A warning spreading online: “Don’t go to Seguin.”
“We need different hotels to work with us,” he said. “When one hotel is always involved, criminals catch on. We want to move these operations around.”
If you’re open to assisting with future investigations, contact your local sheriff’s office. Discreet cooperation could make your hotel part of the solution.
More from Sheriff Ray: Full Discover Seguin Episode
Want the full story on law enforcement progress in Guadalupe County? Sheriff Ray sat down with us on Discover Seguin to talk about:
Modernizing police tech and dispatch systems
Fighting human trafficking and child exploitation
The importance of presence and deterrence
His approach to leadership and building a safer community
🎧 Watch the full interview here:
https://youtu.be/LRZl5TpIBNo
Final Thoughts
Traffickers often rely on secrecy and fear. But when hotel owners stay alert — and when law enforcement has trusted partners — we can send a clear message:
Not in our town. Not in our hotels.
If you ever have questions about how to protect your hotel or support law enforcement efforts, Barnard Donegan Insurance is here to help. Together, we can make our communities safer for everyone.
