Central Illinois struggles with massage parlor crackdown amid
trafficking concerns
[June 07, 2025]
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributor
(The Center Square) – Municipalities like Peoria, Springfield and
Decatur have passed stricter massage licensing ordinances amid concerns
over human trafficking.
State Rep. John Cabello, R-Machesney Park, a law enforcement officer,
noted that while ordinances can help, most investigations begin with
tips or complaints, not routine licensing checks.
“We used to have quite a few [massage parlors] here in Rockford. You
can’t just walk in and inspect. You need a complaint or information from
another investigation,” said Cabello. “Once something’s confirmed, you
shut them down. The owners go to jail and depending on how long they’re
there, they could just move somewhere else.”
Cabello said he finds himself torn between two political instincts: a
desire for limited government and a need to crack down on businesses
engaged in criminal activity.
“As a Republican, we’re supposed to be for smaller government, less red
tape,” he said. “But when it comes to businesses that are known for
shadiness, I support these kinds of ordinances. Sometimes it’s a
necessary evil. I assume that the police departments [would] be able to
handle it if something were to take place. I don't believe necessarily
the city has to have an ordinance.”
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
enforces massage therapist licensure and investigates complaints and
alleged violations, which can originate from the public, law enforcement
or other governmental agencies.
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Illinois state Rep. John Cabello, R-Machesney Park - Greg Bishop /
The Center Square
Nancy Bolliger, the executive director of Allies Against
Trafficking, claimed that Bloomington has 14 illicit massage
businesses and urged the council to require them to register,
allowing checks for licensed therapists.
“Since 2018, Springfield, Peoria, Chatham and Morton have passed
local ordinances to regulate massage businesses. These laws require
businesses to register with the city and verify that their
therapists are licensed by the state of Illinois,” Bolliger said
during public comment at a Bloomington City Council meeting. “As a
result, 11 illicit massage parlors were closed in Springfield.
Morton also shut down two illicit spas, including one located just
doors from a Kroger grocery store. This criminal activity remains
active and is increasing across the region.”
At the Bloomington City Council meeting, Paul Halvorson stressed the
toll of human trafficking on both victims and taxpayers, urging a
community-wide effort beyond just police or government.
“The people involved aren’t contributing to the community through
jobs or families. When they get out, they often rely on the
judicial, penal, healthcare or social services systems with no
insurance or resources. This ultimately falls on taxpayers,”
Halvorson said during public comment. “So everybody needs to come
together, including citizens, for education, enforcement and
collaboration to try to eradicate this from the community.”
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