Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a provocative billboard campaign across Mexico and Central America to discourage illegal immigration. The campaign highlights dangers like sexual assault and warns of legal consequences. One sign reads, “How much did you pay to have your daughter raped?” Another warns migrants of arrest if they enter Texas unlawfully.
“Our immediate goal is to discourage them and help them understand the consequences,” Abbott said on Thursday.
Illegal border crossings surged to record highs after President Joe Biden took office in 2021, sparking criticism from Abbott and other Republicans. Biden recently toughened border policies, leading to a sharp decline in illegal crossings. However, Abbott expressed concerns about a potential surge before President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised mass deportations and stricter border security, takes office on Jan. 20.
The $100,000 campaign aims to dissuade last-minute attempts by migrants. “There are many people who may make a last-gasp effort,” Abbott noted.
In November, Texas officials offered 1,400 acres near the border to Trump’s incoming administration to support its deportation initiatives. The state continues to implement measures to curb illegal immigration, citing safety and security concerns.
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