Governor Greg Abbott Launches Billboard Campaign to Deter Migrants from Dangerous Journey to Texas
Today, Governor Greg Abbott unveiled a new billboard campaign aimed at discouraging migrants from embarking on the perilous journey to illegally cross the Texas border during a press conference held next to a burned-down rape tree at Wall Ranch in Eagle Pass.
“Today, we’re here to discuss a new initiative to deter illegal immigration into Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “Yesterday, we began erecting dozens of billboards across Mexico and Central America. These billboards provide potential illegal immigrants, both those considering leaving their home countries and those already en route, with a realistic portrayal of the dangers they may face during their journey or if they attempt to cross into Texas illegally. They recount the horror stories of human trafficking and urge people in Central America to confront the violent, horrific realities that await the women and children they bring with them. Through Operation Lone Star, we have made significant strides in halting illegal border crossings. However, this new effort aims to prevent these journeys from starting in the first place. Until President Donald Trump is back in the White House to secure our border once again, we will continue to take every necessary measure to defend Texas.”
During the press conference, Governor Abbott showcased examples of the billboards, noting that over 40 have been strategically positioned in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, as well as along the Texas-Mexico border. The billboards emphasize the dangers and legal repercussions migrants face when attempting to enter the country illegally, highlighting the sexual assaults many women and children suffer at the hands of coyotes and smugglers. To effectively reach illegal immigrants from various countries, the billboards are translated into Spanish throughout Central America and Mexico, and into Arabic, Chinese, and Russian in Northern Mexico and along the Texas-Mexico border.
Governor Abbott was joined at the press conference by ranchers Kimberly and Martin Wall, Texas Association Against Sexual Assault CEO Rose Luna, Texas Department of Public Safety Director Freeman Martin, Adjutant General of Texas Major General Thomas Suelzer, and Texas Border Czar Mike Banks.
“There is a largely unspoken sexual assault crisis impacting women and children migrating to the Texas border,” stated Rose Luna. “Acknowledging this issue and its profound impact on survivors is not just crucial—it is our responsibility.”
"There have been several rape trees and many women found beaten and raped in front of our house, left to die," said Kimberly Wall. "It makes you terrified to go out and enjoy your own property. My husband has discovered three different rape trees and burned them down. You never know if you’ll be attacked by one of the men hiding in the brush. We all want a better life for everyone."
During the press conference, Governor Abbott pointed to the burned-down rape tree, a location where migrants are sexually assaulted, and their undergarments are hung on the tree as trophies by coyotes. He highlighted the horrific and dangerous journey migrants undertake when crossing illegally into the United States.
.jpeg)
0 Comments