Texas Governor Greg Abbott has launched an aggressive billboard campaign aimed at deterring migrants from crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, emphasizing the dangers associated with illegal immigration. This initiative reflects Abbott's commitment to border security as he faces increasing scrutiny over immigration policies.
The billboard messages, alarming and stark, convey the grim realities of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. One billboard asks, "How much did you pay to have your daughter raped? Many girls are raped by the coyotes you hire." Another states, "Your wife and daughter will pay for the trip with their bodies. Coyotes lie. Don’t put your family at risk." Governor Abbott described these warnings as "tough medicine" during his announcement on December 19, 2023, near Eagle Pass, Texas.
Strategically placed across Central America and northern Mexico, more than 40 billboards cost Texas around $100,000. The messages are translated not only to Spanish but also to Arabic, Chinese, and Russian, aiming to reach diverse communities of potential migrants. Abbott described the initiative as part of a broader strategy, stating, "We want no more rape trees in Texas. Do not make the dangerous trek to Texas." His comments came alongside controversial claims about systemic assaults on migrants.
Advocates for immigrant rights, such as Dylan Corbett, the Director of the Hope Border Institute, argue vehemently against the effectiveness of such deterrent strategies. Corbett stated, "Actions like Lone Star do nothing to address the crisis of violence and sexual abuse by unscrupulous actors against those who migrate." They contend these messages push vulnerable migrants toward more dangerous routes and exacerbate their risks.
The billboard campaign is only one part of Abbott's larger Operation Lone Star, which has cost Texas taxpayers approximately $11 billion since its inception in March 2021. This operation has been heavily criticized for its militarized approach, deploying National Guard soldiers and state troops, erecting razor wire, and extending the border wall. Abbott is reportedly seeking nearly $3 billion more for border security initiatives as he continues to advocate for stricter immigration policies.
Local ranchers, such as Kimberly Wall, have expressed support for Abbott's campaign, citing firsthand experiences with violence against migrants. Wall spoke of finding women who had been assaulted and left for dead on her property, making her feel the urgency of the situation. Such personal accounts reveal the grim realities of the border crisis, bolstering Abbott's messaging on the dangers of illegal crossings.
Despite claims made by Abbott, the state has not provided evidence substantiATING allegations of widespread sexual assaults or the existence of "rape trees"—a term referring to areas where these assaults allegedly occur. Tom Schmerber, the Maverick County Sheriff, remarked, "I don’t know where they’re getting the information. It’s not in Maverick (County), and I haven’t heard it from the other sheriffs close to my area." This raises questions about the validity of the governor's statements concerning the current state of security and migrant safety.
Further complicity exists within Abbott’s criticism of federal immigration policy. He has asserted plans to collaborate with President-elect Donald Trump to address alleged horrors along the border, indicating his intentions to shape future actions based on the federal leadership’s direction. The emphasis remains on deterrence rather than addressing the root causes of migration, with Abbott’s focus squarely on securing the Texas border.
While Governor Abbott aims to present a strong stance on immigration and protection against violence, immigrant rights advocates caution against painting all migrants with the same brush of criminality and violence. The narratives pushed by Abbott may not reflect the experiences faced by many who seek safety and security within the U.S.
This campaign not only highlights the polarized perspectives on immigration but may also complicate diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Mexico. The legality of placing such billboards abroad has drawn scrutiny, turning the billboard campaign from mere messaging to potential geopolitical concerns.
Governor Abbott’s aggressive border measures and the accompanying messages reflect the complexity of the immigration debate within Texas and across the nation. With continued support from local elements and criticisms from rights advocates, the future of Texas border policy remains fraught with challenges and controversial rhetoric.
