Gov. Abbott: TikTok Should Be Ashamed, Condemned for Promoting Human Trafficking

ABBOTT: “An action item that I would like to propose for General Paxton to consider, with you all considering to join him, and that is there is a horrific crime taking place as we gather here today, as Col. McCraw can tell you more about momentarily. Cartels in Mexico are using TikTok to advertise, to recruit smugglers in Texas, in San Antonio, Houston, and other cities in Texas and maybe some other states, to advertise for smugglers, for pay, for them to smuggle people here in Texas, which would include victims of human trafficking. That must be shut down. And just like I think an injunction was taken against Backpage, similarly, possibly, an injunction could be used to shut down TikTok in its use of its device and platform to allow criminal activity to be perpetuated, at least to horrific human trafficking. TikTok should be ashamed, condemned and have a legal action brought against it for promoting human trafficking in Texas and the United States of America.”