Visit the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homepage
Visit the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homepage
Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:
Houston is preparing to welcome the world — and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office has been preparing right alongside it.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is bringing fans from every corner of the globe to Harris County. The FIFA Fan Festival™ Houston will run through July 19 at Aramco Arena. For more information, visit fwc26houston.com.
HCSO’s Role: At the Table and On the Ground
HCSO has not simply been preparing for the World Cup — we have been helping shape it. Our agency serves on both the Houston FIFA World Cup Executive and Leadership Committees, playing a pivotal role in developing the public safety strategy for one of the largest sporting events in the world.
When the matches begin, our presence will be felt everywhere it matters. More than 250 HCSO personnel will be deployed throughout the tournament at FIFA-sanctioned venues — including the Fan Festival, all seven matches at Houston Stadium, and designated team hotels.
Uniformed deputies, specialized tactical units, detention personnel, and dispatchers will work alongside local, state, federal, and international partners to provide security, manage crowds, regulate traffic, and respond to any public safety threat.
And our reach goes beyond Harris County. HCSO is honored to participate in the International Police Cooperation Center in Virginia — strengthening intelligence sharing across the nation to help keep Houston safe throughout the World Cup.
“The FIFA World Cup will attract hundreds of thousands of fans and visitors to Harris County, contributing to our tradition of hosting major sporting events such as the Super Bowl and college basketball and football championship games. We encourage everyone to enjoy the festivities and take pride in our community’s legacy. Above all, HCSO remains dedicated to ensuring public safety during the World Cup — your security is our top priority.” — Assistant Chief Saul Suarez
With summer heat, hurricane season, and significant traffic increases expected on match days, HCSO encourages everyone to plan ahead:
- Stay informed about weather conditions before heading out
- Allow extra travel time — arrive at the stadium as early as possible
- Follow official venue guidance and stay aware of your surroundings
- Report suspicious activity immediately — call 911 for emergencies or 713-221-6000 for non-emergencies
Protecting Our Community: Fraud, Scams & Human Trafficking
As excitement builds around the World Cup, HCSO is also focused on the public safety concerns that can accompany large-scale international events — including fraud, scams, and human trafficking.
On June 4, Assistant Chief John Nanny represented HCSO at a joint press conference reaffirming our commitment to protecting every person in Harris County during the World Cup. Our investigators are actively monitoring online platforms where traffickers increasingly recruit and exploit victims. Community awareness remains one of the most effective tools in identifying and preventing exploitation.
Warning signs include suspicious job offers, social media contacts promising gifts or opportunities, individuals who appear fearful or controlled, or someone whose identification or phone is being held by another person. Parents are encouraged to talk with their children and teens about online safety — more than half of domestic minor trafficking victims are recruited through social media.
If You See Something — Say Something
- Emergency: Call 911
- National Human Trafficking Hotline (Polaris): Call 1-888-373-7888 | Text: 233733 | humantraffickinghotline.org
- HCSO Crime Victim Assistance Unit: 📞 713-274-9369 | ✉️ VictimAssistanceUnit@Sheriff.hctx.net | 📱 Text in English or Spanish: 832-470-6772
Community Resources — Help Is Here
If you or someone you know needs support, these local organizations are ready to help:
- The Landing: Serves survivors of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation in Houston | thelanding.org
- YMCA International Services: Victim assistance and support for trafficking survivors | 24/7 Hotline: 832-808-3909 | ymcahouston.org
- United Against Human Trafficking: Education, advocacy, and direct survivor support | 713-874-0290 | uaht.org
- No Trafficking Zone: Works to prevent, combat, and eradicate human trafficking nationwide | notraffickingzone.org
The World Cup is a celebration — and Harris County has a proud legacy of hosting the world’s biggest moments. HCSO is committed to making sure every fan, every family, and every visitor experiences this city at its very best.
Enjoy the World Cup, Harris County. We will be watching over you.
HCSO In the News
HOUSTON – With the FIFA World Cup 2026 set to arrive in Houston in just days, federal law enforcement officials are warning the public to stay alert and report suspicious activity as massive crowds begin pouring into the city.
More than half a million visitors are expected in Houston during the tournament, prompting heightened security preparations from federal, state, and local agencies.
HOUSTON – The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway, and for many Houstonians, excitement about the global event comes with one major question: What will all those visitors mean for traffic?
Transportation officials say there will likely be more congestion during the tournament, particularly around match venues, entertainment districts and other major destinations. But they say drivers can take steps now to help avoid some of the biggest headaches.
Chron: Houston police deploying drones as World Cup counterterrorism measure
Houston officials are well-versed in many of the public health and safety challenges ahead for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, from weather concerns to traffic headaches. One newer consideration for Houston? Combating potential acts of terrorism.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire said Tuesday the city will use “drone surveillance” and “drone protection” to ensure greater security and protect against terrorism at the World Cup.
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Teammates of the Week
Harris County Sheriff’s Office Teammate of the Week: Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the HCSO highlight exceptional teammates who serve others above and beyond their duties. We regularly receive positive emails, thank you notes, and phone calls from the community.
HCSO Teammate of the Week: Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognize Deputy Juan Celestial
A supervisor recently shared:
“A commendation is in order for Deputy Celestial for his outstanding judgment, professionalism, and dedication to duty. Deputy Celestial conducted himself in a manner that reflects great credit upon himself, his peers, and the department. His actions exemplify the highest standards of service and leadership, and he should be given strong consideration during his next promotional opportunity. Semper Fidelis.”
Deputy Celestial has dedicated an extraordinary 29 years of service to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office — beginning his law enforcement career in 1994 as a certified officer. Over nearly three decades, he has built a reputation for professionalism, sound judgment, and unwavering commitment to duty. Currently, he serves in the Maritime Tactical Operations Section (MTOS).
Deputy Celestial, 29 years of showing up, doing the right thing, and setting the standard for those around you. Thank you for your decades of service to Harris County. We are incredibly proud to have you on this team.
HCSO Teammate of the Week: Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office recognize Deputy Emily Rosales
A Harris County resident recently shared:
💬 “Our car was rear ended on HWY 290 near the 1960 exit. Deputy Rosales came on the scene and helped get everybody situated safely. She was cordial, friendly, a very calming influence in a hectic situation. She is a terrific officer and a credit to your department.”
Deputy Rosales began her journey with HCSO in 2020 as a Detention Officer — learning the foundation of this work from the inside out. In October 2025, she proudly graduated from the Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC) and joined District 5 as a patrol deputy.
In just a short time on patrol, she has already shown exactly what this badge stands for — showing up to a stressful, chaotic scene on HWY 290 and turning it into a moment of calm, care, and professionalism that a family will never forget. Six years with HCSO. A lifetime of impact ahead.
Deputy Rosales, we are proud to have you on this team and we cannot wait to see everything you accomplish in your career.
VIDEO: Where there is light, there is hope.
Where there is light, there is hope.
More than four decades after Stephen and Hope Ellis were brutally murdered inside their West Harris County apartment, their family is still searching for answers.
Stephen and Hope were last seen alive on December 5, 1982. Three days later, friends discovered the young couple deceased inside their home. Hope had been stabbed multiple times, and Stephen had been shot and stabbed.
For Hope’s family, the pain has never gone away. Neither has their hope for justice.
If you have any information about the murders of Stephen and Hope Ellis, no matter how small it may seem, please come forward.
- Crime Stoppers: 713-222-TIPS (8477)
- Up to $10,000 reward available
- HCSO Cold Case Unit: 713-274-9777
Reel: Be prepared for hurricane season
As hurricane and severe weather season approaches, first responders are training to ensure they are ready when Harris County residents need them most.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office participated in a multi-agency flood rescue exercise at John Paul’s Landing alongside the Texas Department of Public Safety, Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office, and Texas State Guard.
From water rescue operations to interagency communication, this training helps strengthen the skills, coordination, and preparedness needed to respond during flood emergencies.
When disaster strikes, preparation saves lives.
Thank you for attending our HCSO Career Fair
Thank you to everyone who attended today’s HCSO Career Fair!
We enjoyed meeting so many individuals interested in serving their community and exploring a career with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
A special thank you to our Recruiting Team and staff who helped make today’s event a success.
Still looking for a rewarding career? There’s still time to join our team. Call 713-877-5250 | HCSOJobs.com
Reel: Auto Theft Unit Recovers 9 Stolen Vehicles
🚔 Outstanding work by our Auto Theft Unit and partnering deputies. Their patience and persistence led to the recovery of 9 stolen vehicles valued at nearly $500,000 and the arrest of multiple suspects.