If you happen to be traveling through Central Texas and Mexico in the near future, you might come across one of the numerous billboards that Governor Greg Abbott has installed. These billboards are specifically aimed at migrants who are illegally crossing the border into the United States.
The billboards in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, as well as along the Texas-Mexico border, convey a disturbing message: “Many girls attempting to migrate to Texas are kidnapped. Stop for the sake of your family.” They further warn, “Your wife and daughter will be exploited to fund the trip. Coyotes deceive. Don’t endanger your family.” Additionally, they ask, “How much did you pay to have your daughter raped? The coyotes you hire often subject girls to sexual assault.”
Governor Abbott announced a new campaign aimed at deterring illegal immigration into Texas. As part of this initiative, numerous billboards have been erected throughout Mexico and Central America. These billboards provide a realistic portrayal of the perils that await individuals who attempt to cross the border illegally. They specifically highlight the horrors of human trafficking and urge potential migrants to consider the violent and harrowing experiences that await them and their accompanying women and children. Operation Lone Star has already made significant strides in preventing illegal border crossings, but the focus now is on preventing these journeys from even commencing. Governor Abbott emphasized that Texas will continue to take all necessary measures to defend its borders until President Donald Trump is back in office to secure them once again.
During a news conference on Thursday, Abbott emphasized the significance of the billboards, which will be showcased in multiple languages. The aim is to bring attention to the perilous and lawful ramifications that migrants encounter when trying to unlawfully enter the country. Additionally, the billboards seek to shed light on the distressing reality that numerous women and children fall victim to sexual assault at the hands of coyotes and smugglers.
Governor Abbott held a press conference where he was joined 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.
Rose Luna emphasized the existence of a hidden crisis of sexual assault affecting women and children who migrate to the Texas border. Luna stressed the importance of recognizing and addressing this issue, as it has a deep impact on survivors.
Kimberly Wall shared her horrifying experience of living in fear due to the presence of rape trees and the frequent incidents of women being beaten and raped near her house. This disturbing reality has left her and the community terrified, making it difficult for them to even step out of their own homes and enjoy their property. Kimberly’s husband, in an attempt to address this issue, took matters into his own hands and burned down three rape trees that he had discovered. The constant fear of potential attacks from men lurking in the bushes has taken a toll on everyone’s sense of safety. Despite the challenging circumstances, Kimberly and her community hold onto the hope for a better life for all.
Governor Abbott, during the press conference, drew attention to a distressing sight: a burned-down rape tree. This symbolizes the harrowing experiences endured by migrants as they make their perilous journey to unlawfully enter the United States. These trees serve as a chilling reminder of the sexual assaults suffered by migrants, with their undergarments displayed as trophies by coyotes.
