𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐥? Partners at Forum raises question on how communities can help combat human and drug trafficking

By Chen Dade 

Staff Writer 

In the summer of 2023, Sound of Freedom swept theaters across the country, bringing an uncomfortable yet urgent issue to the forefront: human trafficking. 

Among many inspired by the movie, Pastor Anna Monke-Gervais and Mary Melroe took action, and organized the Partners in Anti-Trafficking Forum at Zion Lutheran Church on March 9. Representatives from anti-trafficking organizations and law enforcement, as well as over 50 community members, attended.

The forum had a clear focus on what we can do to prevent human and drug trafficking. 

“You can't empty an ocean one spoon at a time,” says Melroe, “but if everyone takes a spoonful, soon we will have a gallon. Think about what you can do with your spoonful.”

Human trafficking is often friend, family—not random “boogeyman”

Every parent has taught their children not to talk to strangers in real life or online. There is no doubt that children are among the most vulnerable to becoming victims of human trafficking. 

But are strangers the only ones we should look out for? 

Dilworth Wal-Mart Training Academy Director Tammy McMahon says no. 

“Human trafficking is not the ‘boogeyman,’” said McMahon, “it can be the mom, dad, grandparents, or even pastors, neighbors, or anyone you know.” 

McMahon also stated that child trafficking is the second largest organized crime, next to drug trafficking; it transcends borders, affecting children from all walks of life, all backgrounds, and all races and nationalities. 

In raising awareness of human trafficking, the Academy partnered with local artists to paint child-friendly characters on fire hydrants all over Minnesota. These paintings aim to spark conversations between children and parents, bring awareness to human trafficking, and educate the community to recognize signs and red flags. 

Since the start of this operation, the Academy has seen significant success in community outreach and will continue to raise awareness and create a safe space for children to speak up and ask questions. For information about volunteer opportunities at the Wal-Mart Academy, contact McMahon at 701-261-3598.

Human trafficking is different from smuggling

Anna Sellin, executive director of Lakes Crisis and Resource Center in Detroit Lakes, explained that human trafficking is not the same as smuggling. Smuggling usually comes with less “victimization,” and it indicates the individual consents to transportation or labor, whereas trafficked individuals are exploited and abused; however, a smuggled individual can end up in a trafficking situation. 

But can a trafficked individual consent? 

“It is possible for a trafficking victim to consent, but it is often under coercion or threat,” says Sellin, “when you are abused, you don't know any better; it is a survival instinct to consent to abuse and exploitation.” 

Sellin has many first-hand experiences with trafficking victims; she stated that some cases take months or even years to see any progress, and victims are often afraid to leave their abusive environment. Unfortunately, not every case is a success story. “But we have to keep going,” says Sellin, “it is the small victory that really makes a difference.”

The Center is one of the many organizations that advocates for victims and their route to medical care. They approach victims with zero judgment, only the intention to help, support, and meet their needs. 

Since opening in 2011, it has the capacity to house 27 individuals. 

Unfortunately, the State only funds 12 individuals, so the Center is largely reliant on donations and fundraisers. 

Drug trafficking is the root of all evil

Many people tend to believe human or drug trafficking only happens in major cities, but small towns like Pelican Rapids are becoming blooming drug distribution centers all across the country. 

West Central Minnesota Drug and Violent Crime Task Force Special Agents Chuck Beery and Kelby Jenson stated they have seen a significant increase in drug trafficking in rural areas, including Otter Tail, Becker, and Douglas Counties. The task force covers 7 counties in Minnesota, with 10 agents working tirelessly on collecting public tips and tracking down individuals. 

“Drug trafficking is the root of all evil; it is not uncommon for drug trafficking to transcend to human trafficking,” said Agent Beery, “By understanding trafficking patterns, products, and distribution, we can help shine a light on human trafficking as well.” 

The task force urges civilians to be vigilant and report anything suspicious. Gas stations, truck stops, and other public spaces are often the hotspots for drug trafficking. “Also pay attention to domestic partnerships in these places,” said Jenson, “a ‘couples’ argument' can be more than it meets the eye, if you see a red flag, record, and report.” 

Short-term traffic and quick meet-ups in neighborhoods are also warning signs of potential drug trafficking. 

With small towns in Minnesota becoming the new hotspots for drug trafficking, it is crucial for communities to form a united front to combat this issue. It is every citizen's duty to report suspicious activities and potential crimes. “See something, say something.” Public tips are the first lead for the task force to start an investigation and prevent possible crimes.

Unseen: Global partners in anti-trafficking

Human trafficking is a global issue; it generates 150 billion dollars worldwide every year. In contrast, anti-trafficking efforts aren't nearly as "well-funded"; in fact, it can be very challenging to fundraise anti-trafficking campaigns. While the U.S. has special task forces and organizations dedicated to stopping trafficking, other countries aren't as fortunate. 

That is why organizations like “Unseen” exist. Unseen is a non-profit organization located in Fargo, that works with other non-profits directly to support trafficked individuals at no cost. They currently have 24 partners across 26 countries and continuously onboard new partners. Unseen has helped non-profits served over 203,000 individuals worldwide in 2023. 

Unseen provides necessary tools for qualified non-profits to succeed, from marketing and fundraising to providing basic human needs, such as food, shelter, water, medical care, spiritual care, psychological counseling, substance abuse assistance, and removal from exploitation. They also provide legal aid, prosecution assistance, skills training, small business start-ups, and education opportunities. 

In 2023, Unseen raised $5.8 million, saw a 692% return profit in partnered organizations, and helped over 5,000 individuals reintegrate into society and flourish in life. “We believe a holistic healing system is crucial in helping trafficked individuals,” said Daria McMillan, Unseen's Communication Director. “Without holistic healing, victims are more likely to go back into trafficking. They need to have continued and consistent support to succeed in life.”

If you'd like to learn more about Unseen, visit https://www.weareunseen.org/ or email info@weareunseen.org

Fill your spoon with love and care

Following a touching song prayer led by Pastor Anna Monke-Gervias and church member Candace Roesch, Pelican Rapids Mayor Brent Frazier thanked the representatives for their hard work on educating and raising awareness on this grim issue and again asked the important question on everyone's mind, “what can we do next?” 

Whether it is organizing a fundraiser, donating to a local organization, educating family and friends, or simply dialing 911 to report suspicious activities, an individual's effort may be limited, but as a community, the impact will be strong and long-lasting.

After the Forum, Mary Melroe urged attendees to grab a spoon as a reminder to continue spreading awareness, breaking the cycle of silence, and taking steps to prevent trafficking. 

“Fill your spoon with care and love,” said Melroe. “The church cares, and the community cares. We pray the Lord to call us into action and give whatever we can to whoever in need in this broken world.”

Lakes Crisis Center fundraising event April 26 in D.L. 

On April 26, 5:30 p.m., the Lakes Crisis and Resource Center will host its 33rd Annual Banquet and Auction at the Holmes Theatre Ballroom in Detroit Lakes to raise funds for providing housing and care for abused and trafficked individuals. 

More details at https://lakescrisis.com/events

Minnesota Report Card 

Shared Hope International's Report Cards on Child & Youth Sex Trafficking are graded under an advanced legislative framework, providing a comprehensive analysis and assessment of all state statutes pertaining to and impacting child and youth sex trafficking in all 50 states and D.C. 

Between 2021 and 2023, Minnesota raised its score by 17.5 points. The overall score is 77.5, which equates to a "C" grade. 

Safe Harbor Program

Safe Harbor is a partner in a Center of Disease Control grant to evaluate the implementation of the Not a Number human trafficking prevention curriculum in Minnesota. MDH Safe Harbor partners extensively with researchers at the U of M School of Nursing to analyze a question in the Minnesota Student Survey for 9th and 11th graders on sex trading. Safe Harbor is currently developing regional training on substance abuse and human trafficking intersections. 

Minnesota Department of Health developed a six-module online training to identify and serve survivors of human trafficking (sex and labor). The training is free and offers continuing education credits. It was developed by healthcare professionals and survivor subject matter experts. 

It is available at: https://www.health.state.mn.uscommunities/safeharbor/communities/youthoutreach.html.

The Safe Harbor program also includes Youth Outreach materials created by youth for youth, which are available for download on the website: https//www.health.state.mn.uscommunites/safeharbor/communities/youthoutreach.html.

Learn how you can stop human trafficking:

https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign

https://invisiblechildren.org/2022/01/05/mn-has-3rd-highest-sex-trafficking-cases-in-u-s/