Sex trafficking in the state is becoming a major problem and leaders from throughout the area are taking action and bringing this issue into light.
Phyllis Olson is a grandmother and lives in West Fargo. She heard about the sex trafficking issue at church and feels there needs to be something done.
"I'm concerned because it isn't just older women which we used to think of with prostitution but it's a lot of children young people," said Olson of West Fargo.
She attended Light for Freedom, Shining a Light on the Darkness of Sex Trafficking. A panel with people knowledgeable about the dangerous industry of sex trafficking.
"We know that the next step needs to be to pull back the curtain and take a look at what is happening to young girls, minors," said North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp.
Heitkamp says she's been leading the charge in congress by holding senate committee hearings, introducing legislation and holding training with people across the state.
Danielle John was in the sex trafficking industry and her pimp was sentenced to life in prison.
"I got involved and there wasn't a way to get out. I didn't know that there were groups like nonprofit organizations that help people," said John of Fargo.
While areas in western North Dakota are becoming prevalent for sex traffickers there is still some activity right here in Fargo.
Some panelists say traffickers using online tools have a similar number of ads in Williston and Fargo.
"As sure as I know anything in the work that we do that there needs to be a strong law enforcement component and we need to prosecute these crimes," said Heitkamp.
This issue is a daily reality for many throughout the state and people like Olson will be doing what they can to help the cause.
If you believe you need help with this issue, you may call the National Human Trafficking Hotline number at 1-888-3737-888