A man crosses the Mexican-US border though a gap in the fence -- part of a migration wave that will pose a major challenge to Mexico's next president
AFP

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has launched a billboard campaign that aims to act as a deterrent for migrants planning to cross American borders from Mexico

The billboards contain messages that include warnings that migrants could get raped or even kidnapped.

Gov. Greg Abbott explained that the campaign was really to "deter illegal immigration into Texas." He said they have started to put up dozens of billboards throughout Mexico and Central America.

"They give potential illegal immigrants thinking of leaving their home country – and those already on the way – a realistic picture of what will happen to them on their journey or if they illegally cross into Texas. These billboards tell the horror stories of human trafficking," the governor said.

He said that the billboards would "implore those people in Central America to consider the violent, horrific realities of what will happen to the women and children they bring with them."

While there have already been efforts, particularly through Operation Lone Star to stop illegal border crossing, the most recent measure aims to stop the "journey" from even commencing with stark warnings.

"How much did you pay to have your daughter raped?" one of the billboards asks.

"Your wife and daughter will pay for the trip with their bodies," another billboard warns, as per MSNBC.

These are just some of the examples of the warnings that the controversial billboards contain.

The campaign cost approximately $100,000 and the warnings will be displayed in various languages and the signs will be installed in several countries across Central America, as well as along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Texas Association Against Sexual Assault CEO Rose Luna joined Abbott at a press conference to announce the program.

"There is a largely unspoken sexual assault crisis impacting women and children migrating to the Texas border," she said.

"Acknowledging this issue and its profound impact on survivors is not just crucial—it is our responsibility," she added.

Immigration Billboard