Governor Greg Abbott announced a new billboard campaign aimed at deterring migrants from attempting to cross the Texas border illegally. The announcement took place at Wall Ranch in Eagle Pass, next to a site marked by the grim presence of a burned-down rape tree.
“Today, we’re here to talk about a new campaign to deter illegal immigration into Texas,” stated Governor Abbott. He explained that the state has begun installing billboards across Mexico and Central America, conveying stark messages about the dangers and legal repercussions of illegal border crossings. These billboards share stories of human trafficking and warn potential migrants of the violence that women and children may face on their journey.
The initiative is part of Operation Lone Star, which aims to prevent illegal crossings into Texas. "Until President Donald Trump is back in the White House to secure our border once again, we will continue to take every step necessary to defend Texas," added Abbott.
More than 40 billboards have been placed strategically in countries such as El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, as well as along the Texas-Mexico border. To communicate effectively with diverse migrant groups, these messages are translated into Spanish for Central America and Mexico and into Arabic, Chinese, and Russian for Northern Mexico and along the border area.
Abbott was accompanied at the press conference by various officials including ranchers Kimberly and Martin Wall; Rose Luna, CEO of the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault; Freeman Martin from the Texas Department of Public Safety; Major General Thomas Suelzer from the Texas military forces; and Mike Banks, Texas Border Czar.
“There is a largely unspoken sexual assault crisis impacting women and children migrating to the Texas border,” noted Rose Luna. “Acknowledging this issue and its profound impact on survivors is not just crucial—it is our responsibility.”
Kimberly Wall shared personal experiences regarding safety concerns near her home due to these incidents: "There have been several rape trees and lots of women who have been found beaten and raped in front of our house."
During his speech, Governor Abbott highlighted the risks involved in illegal migration by referencing a nearby rape tree—a symbol of sexual assaults committed against migrants—emphasizing their perilous journey towards crossing into the United States unlawfully.
