In the past five years, the number of illegal massage parlors in Portland has tripled from an estimated 36 to at least 114 different locations. According to state regulators and nonprofits, these parlors engage in illicit operations, including trafficking and abusing undocumented women. Today, we’re revisiting a conversation with Eliza Aronson, who investigated the issue for Willamette Week. She spoke to neighbors, local law enforcement, even the workers themselves, and she’s sharing with us what she learned.
This episode might not be suitable for younger listeners. Though there is no explicit language in this conversation, there is mention of sex and human trafficking.
This episode first aired on December 10, 2024.
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