Socorro Bar Permanently Closed After Human Trafficking Probe

The Boss Lady Pub was declared a common nuisance and ordered to shut down for one year.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 10:55pm

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A Socorro, Texas bar called the Boss Lady Pub has been permanently closed following an investigation into human trafficking and prostitution. The El Paso County Attorney's Office secured a court order to shut down the bar, which was found to be operating without the proper permits and engaging in illegal activities including prostitution and employees soliciting drinks from customers.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by local authorities to crack down on illicit activities like human trafficking and prostitution that can occur at certain businesses. The closure of the Boss Lady Pub sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated in the El Paso area.

The details

The investigation, which began as a criminal probe into potential human trafficking, revealed that dancers at the Boss Lady Pub were restricted from leaving the premises during work hours, a potential indicator of trafficking. While no human trafficking charges were filed, agents documented several violations including five cases of prostitution and four incidents of employees illegally soliciting drinks from customers. The bar was also found to be operating as a sexually oriented business without the necessary permit from the City of Socorro.

  • The investigation into the Boss Lady Pub began in 2025.
  • This week, the 448th District Judge Sergio Enriquez signed a permanent injunction to close the bar for one year.
  • In December 2025, the County Attorney's Office secured a settlement agreement with the property owner, who agreed to initiate the eviction process to remove the business owners.

The players

El Paso County Attorney's Office

The county agency that filed the lawsuit and secured the court order to permanently close the Boss Lady Pub.

Maria Elena Olvera

The owner of the Boss Lady Pub, which was declared a common nuisance and ordered to close.

Carolina Gonzalez

The property owner who agreed to initiate the eviction process to remove the Boss Lady Pub business owners from her premises.

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC)

The state agency that conducted undercover operations and documented violations at the Boss Lady Pub.

Paso del Norte Center of Hope

An organization that collaborated with authorities on the investigation into the Boss Lady Pub.

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What they’re saying

“We want to express our deepest gratitude to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's Special Investigations Unit, the El Paso Sheriff's Office, and the Paso del Norte Center of Hope for their tireless work on this complex case. Their commitment to uncovering these violations and protecting vulnerable individuals sends a clear message that this behavior will not be tolerated in El Paso County.”

— Christina Sanchez, El Paso County Attorney

What’s next

The judge's order requires the defendants to post a $9,000 bond and pay over $400 in court costs within 20 days. The property owner has also assured authorities that she will not allow the Boss Lady Pub to reopen on her premises.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the collaborative efforts of local law enforcement and community organizations to address illicit activities like human trafficking and prostitution that can occur at certain businesses. The permanent closure of the Boss Lady Pub sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated in the El Paso area.