MAVERICK COUNTY, Texas – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced the rollout of an international public relations campaign to try to prevent migrants from crossing the border illegally.
During the news conference on a ranch in Maverick County, Abbott emphasized the need to address the human trafficking and sexual assault some migrants encounter.
The public safety campaign, featuring billboards in Central America and Mexico, are written in multiple languages and aim to “expose the truth to immigrants who are coming here,” Abbott said.
The governor was joined by Rose Luna Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, who spoke about the stories she’s heard from migrants.
Kimberly Wall, who owns the ranch the governor made his announcement at, described finding migrants who had been sexual and physically assaulted on her property.
KSAT asked the governor if he thought the billboard campaign, which he estimates costs around $100,000, is a good use of funds to address border issues.
“Every tool and strategy that we find and locate are effective strategies… There are a lot of organizations and people who are providing a contrary narrative to what we are saying today…” Abbott said. “…We are trying to provide pushback against that narrative and provide reality, facts for immigrants thinking about coming here to save their lives, to save them from sexual assault, save them from being arrested, and let them know there are consequences if they take any further steps to come to the state of Texas.”
The governor also mentioned the state’s efforts to build physical barriers and deploy law enforcement to prevent illegal crossings.
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