Texas has placed dozens of billboards throughout Central America and Mexico warning U.S.-bound migrants about dangers of the voyage and penalties they can expect to face if they illegally enter the Lone Star State.
On Thursday, Gov. Greg Abbott held a press conference in Eagle Pass to unveil the campaign and share his platform with Texans working to combat human trafficking and the ongoing invasion of the U.S.
“Yesterday, we began putting up dozens of billboards throughout Mexico and Central America. They give potential illegal immigrants thinking of leaving their home country – and those already on the way – a realistic picture of what will happen to them on their journey or if they illegally cross into Texas,” Gov. Abbott said.
“These billboards tell the horror stories of human trafficking. They implore those people in Central America to consider the violent, horrific realities of what will happen to the women and children they bring with them.”
Unveiled Texas’ new campaign to deter illegal immigration in Eagle Pass today.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) December 19, 2024
Texas has put up DOZENS of billboards in Central America & Mexico.
They’re a reminder of what will happen to those who illegally cross into Texas—including the horrors of human trafficking. pic.twitter.com/8kZaer0P3X
Strongly-worded messages on the billboards are presented in a variety of languages, including Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Arabic.
Examples include:
- Your wife and daughter will pay for the trip with their bodies. Coyotes lie. Don’t put your family at risk.
- How much did you pay to have your daughter raped? Many girls are raped by the coyotes you hire.
- This fourteen-year-old girl was raped by more than 20 men on her way to the border. Protect your family. Change their fate.
- If you thought the journey to the border was harsh, just wait until you see what life in jail is like.
Texas just launched an international billboard campaign warning U.S.-bound migrants about the horrors of the journey and penalties they could face if they illegally enter the Lone Star State.
— Border Hawk (@BorderHawkNews) December 20, 2024
Some examples of hardcore messages now posted in Central America and Mexico: pic.twitter.com/aZ3TaQV8aR
Gov. Abbott posted photos of billboards already erected in Mexico and Central America.
Texas put up billboards in Mexico & Central America to deter illegal immigration.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) December 19, 2024
These billboards tell the horror stories of human trafficking & consequences of crossing illegally.
This new campaign is to stop the illegal journey from even beginning in the first place. pic.twitter.com/69XPaXYW7e
“There have been several rape trees and lots of women who have been found beaten and raped in front of our house and left to die,” Texas rancher Kimberly Wall stated during Thursday’s press conference, which was held in front of a charred rape tree.
“It makes you terrified to go out of your own house and enjoy your own property. I know my husband has found three different rape trees and burned them down. You don’t know if you’ll be attacked by one of the men hiding in the brush. We all want a better life for everybody.”
Last month, incoming Border Czar Tom Homan joined Gov. Abbott at another press conference in Eagle Pass to praise the state’s efforts in cracking down on illegal migration.
“Governor Abbott has done an amazing job. Illegal immigration in Texas is down 86 percent,” Homan said. “This is a model we can take across the country. We’re going to help Governor Abbott finish the job he started.”
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