Louis Theroux: Dark States

S01E02 Trafficking Sex

Houston, the fourth largest city in the United States, is regarded as the leading center for human trafficking in North America. The US Department of Justice estimates that around twenty percent of the nation's trafficking victims are funneled through this city, with many forced into the sex trade. In Dark States - Trafficking Sex, Louis immerses himself in the lives of American women involved in the illegal sex industry, delving into the often complicated relationships between prostitutes and their pimps. He uncovers a subculture governed by morally ambiguous rules and seeks to understand what prevents these women from escaping. Additionally, Louis joins law enforcement on undercover missions, interacting with Vice Division officers who work to encourage these women to speak out against their traffickers.