Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has launched a billboard campaign to deter migrants with graphic warnings that they could be raped and abused by traffickers, vivid messaging that comes as Texas steps up its hard-line approach to illegal immigration ahead of the second Trump administration.
“How much did you pay to have your daughter raped?” reads one of the Spanish language signs, aimed at people in Central American countries including El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, Abbott’s office said Thursday. “Many girls are raped by the coyotes you hire.”
“Your wife and daughter will pay for the trip with their bodies.” reads another. “Coyotes lie. Don’t put your family at risk.” (Coyotes are the name given to smugglers who help migrants cross the border.)
The 40 billboards will be posted in Central America and Mexico and will be written in four languages, the governor said.
In a news conference at the border town of Eagle Pass, Texas, Abbott said the campaign aimed both to highlight the sexual abuse migrant women face and to warn that illegal immigrants face arrest and deportation in the United States.
“The message is, ‘Do not risk a dangerous trip just to be arrested and deported,’” Abbott said.
“How much did you pay to have your daughter raped?” reads one of the Spanish language signs, aimed at people in Central American countries including El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, Abbott’s office said Thursday. “Many girls are raped by the coyotes you hire.”
“Your wife and daughter will pay for the trip with their bodies.” reads another. “Coyotes lie. Don’t put your family at risk.” (Coyotes are the name given to smugglers who help migrants cross the border.)
The 40 billboards will be posted in Central America and Mexico and will be written in four languages, the governor said.
In a news conference at the border town of Eagle Pass, Texas, Abbott said the campaign aimed both to highlight the sexual abuse migrant women face and to warn that illegal immigrants face arrest and deportation in the United States.
“The message is, ‘Do not risk a dangerous trip just to be arrested and deported,’” Abbott said.
