FARGO -- The clock is ticking for some people who are homeless in Fargo to find a new place to stay.

On Wednesday, Sept. 18, the city plans to start cleaning out illegal camps.

"Where we supposed to go, all the homeless shelters are plum full," said a woman who identified herself as Jasmine. She said she's been living along the river.

On Friday, Sept. 13, the city put a number of signs up along the bike path along the Red River, warning the homeless they have 48 hours to find a new place to stay under the new ordinance.

"We all got each other, everyone here is basically one big family," said a homeless man who has been living with his family under the First Avenue North Bridge.

The camping ban, passed two weeks ago by the Fargo City Commission, limits where homeless people can stay along the bike path, under bridges and near certain infrastructure.

"What would be considered sleeping paraphernalia, like sleeping bags, tents, things like that would make them in violation of the ordinance," said Lt. Travis Moser with the Fargo Police Department.

Public health and the police department have been visiting the campsites since the signs were posted. They said most of the homeless people in violation have already moved. They say less than a handful of illegal camps remain. Those who refuse to leave by Wednesday could be arrested and the city will clear the campsite.

"Inventory the property that is there, anything that is deemed of value we would take in safe keeping for that person but anything that is deemed to not be of value, then will public works will come in and assist us in moving that property," Moser said.

Homeless people like Jasmine say it's no longer if they will go to jail but when.

"At least there I will be warm. I'll have three meals a day," she said.