Cy-Fair Deputy Honored After Helping Remove Teen from Suspected Trafficking Situation
What began as a routine service call quickly turned into a life-changing intervention earlier this month, and now one Harris County deputy is being recognized for his actions. Deputy Isaac Borja, of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office District 5 Command Station, was honored by the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce as the First Responder Honoree at its August 19 luncheon.
On August 6, Borja responded to a “Meet the Citizen” call about suspicious activity at a massage spa in the 10500 block of Jones Road. He first met with the caller at a separate location, where he was told the business might be operating as a brothel. After carefully gathering the details, Borja and other deputies went to the spa to investigate further.
When he entered the business, Borja observed an Asian teenage girl working behind the counter. Trusting his instincts, he identified her and immediately moved her to the safety of his patrol unit before calling in the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Human Trafficking Unit.
As the investigation unfolded, it was determined that the girl should be transported to the Children’s Assessment Center for a forensic interview. While the outcome of that process remains confidential, Borja’s diligence ensured the teen was removed from a potentially dangerous environment and placed in the hands of specialists trained to help.
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A Deputy Who Goes Above and Beyond
Deputy Borja is well-known in District 5 for his commitment to the job. Supervisors note he consistently leads the district in calls answered, reports filed, and arrests made. “He is a consummate professional and can always be counted on not only to do his duty, but to go above and beyond,” said Lieutenant Shannon Bowdoin, who read Borja’s commendation at the luncheon.
The Chamber ceremony also included a surprise recognition: Borja received a Law Enforcement Medal and Certificate from the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). His wife stood proudly by his side as community leaders, law enforcement colleagues, and representatives from Houston Methodist Hospital applauded his actions.
Human Trafficking in Houston: A Hidden Problem
Borja’s recognition draws attention to a larger issue that affects the Greater Houston area. Houston is considered one of the nation’s top hubs for human trafficking, a crisis fueled by the city’s size, busy highways, and international connections. The U.S. Department of Justice has consistently ranked Houston among the highest in the country for trafficking cases, with both minors and vulnerable adults at risk.
Human trafficking involves the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion, often for sex work or labor. Experts emphasize that it can appear in places people pass by every day—storefronts, hotels, and online platforms—making community awareness essential.
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A Community Reminder
For Cy-Fair residents, Borja’s story is more than a commendation; it’s a reminder of the role first responders play in protecting the most vulnerable. Thanks to one deputy’s alertness and compassion, a teenager was given the chance to step out of harm’s way and into safety.
Officials encourage the community to stay watchful and speak up. Suspicious activity can be reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
As SAR and Chamber member Tom Jackson said in his remarks, “It is most fitting as we honor Deputy Isaac Borja of District 5 of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office”. For Borja, the honor was not just about recognition—it was about reaffirming the quiet, everyday courage that helps make Cy-Fair safer for everyone.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
