The Governor of Texas has launched a new billboard initiative aimed at discouraging illegal immigration|
Texas Governor Unveils Billboard Campaign to Deter Illegal Immigration
EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Texas Governor Greg Abbott is unveiling a new program in an effort to fight illegal immigration by putting billboards throughout Central America and Mexico.
The purpose of the campaign is to inform prospective migrants of the dangers and consequences of illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, with emphasis on the risks of human trafficking. The billboards are full of chilling messages regarding the realities of migration: “Many girls attempting to migrate to Texas are kidnapped,” and “Your wife and daughter may have to pay for their journey with their bodies.”
The campaign will feature more than 40 billboards across El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. Most of these will be along the northern border of Mexico, from Matamoros to Ciudad Juarez.
Governor Abbott noted that the billboards are aimed at discouraging migrants from entering the U.S. illegally, especially through Texas.
Some of the messages in the billboards include, “Danger Ahead. If you cross into Texas illegally, you will regret it forever.
Abbott referred to the campaign as “tough medicine,” saying that it is part of a wider effort to tackle illegal immigration, including working with the Trump administration. The billboards are displayed in various languages, including Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Arabic.
Aside from the billboards, Abbott highlighted physical steps taken toward border security: walls, razor wire, and container barriers. He emphasized again the state’s commitment to aggressive enforcement, including arresting people trying to cross the border illegally.
Abbott pointed out many of the billboards prevent the sexual assault of the migrants, a grave worry he called “horrific.” He expressed an expectation that, with better support from the new government, illegal immigration would decrease significantly and only legal immigration would eventually find its way into America.