Governor Abbott Launches Billboard Initiative to Discourage Migrants from Risky Journey to Texas|
Governor Abbott Launches International Billboard Campaign to Warn Migrants About the Dangers of Crossing into Texas Illegally
Texas Governor Greg Abbott unveiled a new state-wide billboard campaign targeting the prevention of migrants attempting the treacherous crossing of the Texas border. In addressing the media at a news conference at Wall Ranch, located in Eagle Pass near a “rape tree” recently burned to the ground, Abbott said that the point of the campaign was to publicize the ugly truths about illegal border crossing.
“Today, we’re launching a campaign to prevent illegal immigration into Texas,” Governor Abbott stated. “Dozens of billboards have already been installed across Mexico and Central America, offering a sobering depiction of the dangers migrants face on their journey and the severe consequences of illegally crossing into Texas. These messages highlight the horrifying stories of human trafficking and sexual violence experienced by women and children along these routes. While Operation Lone Star has made great strides in securing our borders, this operation aims to stop these journeys before they even begin. Until President Donald Trump returns to the White House to fully secure our borders, Texas will continue to take every measure necessary to protect our state.”
During the event, examples of the billboards are shown, which have been strategically placed in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and along the Texas-Mexico border. The signs point out not only the physical dangers, but also the legal ramifications of attempting to enter the United States without authorization, while also pointing out the exploitation and sexual violence often associated with human smugglers for migrants. To maximize outreach, the billboards are posted in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian key regions along the migration routes. The campaign aims to let migrants know the grim reality of human trafficking and to make them aware of all the abuse that many faces during these treacherous journeys.
The president and CEO of the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, Rose Luna, noted, “There is a largely unspoken crisis of sexual assault impacting women and children migrating to the Texas border. Recognizing and addressing this issue is not only critical—it’s our moral responsibility.
Local rancher Kimberly Wall shared with me her personal experience regarding the impact of border violence: “We have found several rape trees near our property and seen firsthand the horrific effects of violence against women left to die. It is a very scary reality, and it impacts our sense of security on our own land.”
Governor Abbott was accompanied by the attendees including Kimberly and Martin Wall, CEO Rose Luna of Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety Freeman Martin, Adjutant General of Texas Major General Thomas Suelzer, and Texas Border Czar Mike Banks.
This billboard initiative reflects an important step in ongoing Texas efforts to address the illegal immigration issue and better protect vulnerable populations from risks created by human trafficking and exploitation.
