City of Midland targets illicit massage parlors with new ordinance - newswest9.com

[Sonji Milburn]

City council passed the ordinance on Tuesday during its second reading, setting stricter licensing requirements and operational standards for massage parlors.



MIDLAND, Texas — The City of Midland has approved new regulations aimed at curbing illegal activity at certain massage parlors, following growing concerns about human trafficking, prostitution and other crimes hidden behind businesses often associated with wellness and relaxation.


Midland City Council passed the ordinance on Tuesday during its second reading, setting stricter licensing requirements and operational standards for massage parlors that have been linked to organized crime.


Under the new rules, targeted establishments must consent to inspections, comply with operational standards and maintain proper licenses. The ordinance only applies to businesses where arrests or convictions related to prostitution or human trafficking have occurred.


Mayor Lori Blong said the issue goes beyond city limits, with some parlors advertising services on the dark web and employing workers without legal documentation.


“A lot of folks brought in to work at these illicit massage parlors are not here with legal work permits,” Blong said. “They are providing services being advertised on the dark web, and it’s a disruption in our community.”


City officials say the goal is not to target legitimate businesses, but to dismantle illegal operations that endanger public safety and damage the reputation of the industry.


“We passed an ordinance that is another tool for our police officers and enforcement officers,” said Councilwoman Amy Stretcher Burkes of District 4. “It is a serious issue. We are working with the state and federal level to try to tackle it.”


Bobbie Walker, a local hairstylist who receives massages regularly, supports the crackdown. She emphasized the benefits of therapeutic massages, but acknowledged concerns about illegal activity in some businesses.


“I do like massage parlors and recommend it for anybody on their feet constantly or works a lot,” Walker said. “It’s amazing and definitely worth it for sure. I understand there are some places that have a happy ending, and that place that I go to doesn’t.”


Walker said she’s glad the city is taking action to protect reputable establishments.


Midland officials said the ordinance is part of a broader effort to combat human trafficking and ensure consumer safety while maintaining the integrity of legitimate wellness services.