Governor Greg Abbott has launched a billboard campaign in Mexico and Central America to discourage illegal immigration, with a budget of around $100,000. The billboards carry harsh warnings, including one that asks, "How much did you pay to have your daughter raped," and others cautioning that migrants could be arrested upon entering Texas. The campaign is aimed at deterring illegal border crossings, especially ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration and his stance on immigration.
According to Reuters, Governor Abbott's billboard campaign aims "is not only to discourage them from coming, but to help them understand the consequences." This comes after a rise in migrant crossings during President Biden's time in office and amid growing border security concerns, especially with Trump's promise of mass deportations. The campaign responds to fears from Texas border residents like ranch owners Kimberly and Martin Wall, who shared troubling experiences with migrants, including women left beaten and "left to die" on their property. Kimberly Wall said, "It makes you terrified to go outside of your own house and enjoy your property." as reported by CHRON.
Texas has spent billions on border security over the past four years, including using razor wire and barriers, which are now part of ongoing legal challenges. Abbott’s controversial billboard campaign features harsh messages like "Your wife and daughter will pay for their trip with their bodies," which he calls "tough medicine." Abbott has also said he is ready to "work with Trump on implementing mass deportations," though details are unclear. Texas has offered 1,400 acres of land near the border for a mass deportation initiative, according to CHRON.
