Texas Governor Launches Ad Campaign Targeting Mexico and Central America to Curb Illegal Immigration

In a bid to dissuade last-minute illegal immigration into Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has launched an advertising campaign to warn migrants of the perilous journey to the southern border, emphasizing the risks of arrest and deportation.

“Our mission is to reveal the truth to those considering the journey here, to share the harsh realities regarding traffickers who inflict harm on many women and children along the way,” he stated.

The Republican governor announced that the state has begun erecting numerous billboard ads throughout Central America and Mexico, cautioning migrants about the high risk of rape or kidnapping during their travels to the U.S. southern border.

“One billboard poses a question to families contemplating sending their children here: How much did you pay to have your daughter raped?” Abbott remarked.

Additional billboards, primarily positioned in northern Mexico, aim to inform potential migrants—who may be trying to cross the border before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office—that they are at risk of arrest and deportation.

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“There are many individuals who might attempt a desperate final effort to cross the border, and our objective is not just to dissuade them but to inform them about the repercussions,” he said.

Approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants have entered the United States during the Biden administration. President-elect Donald Trump pledged to close the border and deport millions who have entered the country illegally.

During the press conference, Abbott stood in front of several billboard ads. He mentioned that these billboards, which carry a price tag of about $100,000, will be displayed in Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Arabic.

The state of Texas will continue to apprehend illegal immigrants, which have totaled in the thousands, according to the governor. Many have been detained for trespassing on private ranches along the Texas-Mexico border.

Others who spoke at the press conference shared harrowing accounts of violence faced by illegal immigrants.

Kimberly Wall described how her husband destroyed three “rape trees” on their ranch to avoid reminders of the despicable crimes; often, the victims’ underwear is hung on these trees.

Wall recounted the story of a girl who was left for dead after a brutal assault, discovered on her property.

“She was raped by 12 different men and beaten, left to die,” Wall stated.

In the past year, three individuals have been found murdered on her property, prompting Wall to carry a firearm for her protection.

She commended Abbott for bringing attention to this issue.

Women who undertook the perilous journey to enter the country illegally have conveyed to her the violence they encountered while fleeing their previous situations.

“No one deserves to be raped,” Luna asserted. “The reality is that the cost of the journey is exceedingly high.”

Abbott expressed his anticipation that the “horror” of the open border policy from the Biden administration will conclude when Trump takes office in January and solidifies the border.

The Republican governor was accompanied by Texas Department of Public Safety Director Freeman Martin, Adjutant General of Texas Major General Thomas Suelzer, and Texas Border Czar Mike Banks while announcing what was described as a “new campaign to deter illegal immigration.”

The public can anticipate the initiation of deportations early in Trump’s second term, as well as an increase in border fortifications, according to Abbott.

He plans to collaborate closely with the new administration to secure the border and facilitate the deportation process.

“Texas has, and will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure that we regain control over illegal immigration,” Abbott asserted.