“SOLD: The Human Trafficking Experience” opens in Las Cruces

“SOLD: The Human Trafficking experience” is an exhibit that takes people inside the world of sex trafficking and forced labor–a world that many victims may never escape.

You have a chance to see the emotional exhibit for yourself this week in Las Cruces.
The exhibit centers on human trafficking and helps raise awareness about the different forms it takes throughout the world and here in the United States.

Rosa Silva, outreach specialist with the Paso Del Norte Center of Hope says she wanted to try an interactive approach.

“I felt that it was a better way than just sitting at a conference learning about it,” Silva said.

Silva says she feels the best way to inform people about human trafficking, is to know what it’s like to experience it first-hand.

“Especially in New Mexico. Since we are a border state with three international ports of entry, we are in a high poverty area. We have I-10 which has been labeled a human trafficking corridor,” Silva said.

The exhibit, which is touring throughout the country, was created by a Washington faith-based group, Mirror Ministries.

The exhibit presents nine scenarios in different parts of the country, each depicting some form of human trafficking, including sex trafficking and forced labor.

Sold’s Executive Director, Greg Macfarlan, says it’s important to note that the U.S is not immune to human trafficking.

“It’s everywhere,” Macfarlan said.

There are signs to look for in victims.

“Lack of eye contact, with an adult and they do most of the talking. They don’t have access to documents like birth certificates,” Silva said.

In the first room, children from South Sudan.

“They indoctrinate the kids that they live with the kids that kidnap. They force them to hack up another kid,” Macfarlan said.

The other scenarios include Haiti, India, Cambodia and even Juarez.

Silva says unfortunately, victims feel intimidated to get out of their situation.

“Many of the victims will not go for help.”

There is hope, the exhibit is interactive and allows you to help victims with apps and petitions.

If you’d like to visit, it’s free and open to the public and will run through Wednesday. The exhibit is located at the Grapevine Plaza on Picacho.