By Ted Hesson
Dec 19 (Reuters) - Texas is launching a visceral billboard campaign in Mexico and Central America to deter illegal immigration by highlighting sexual assault and other dangers, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said on Thursday, the Republican's latest move to stem crossings.
"How much did you pay to have your daughter raped," one of the signs read. Another warned that migrants will be arrested if they enter Texas illegally.
"Our goal right now, immediately, is not only to discourage them from coming, but to help them understand the consequences," Abbott said.
The number of migrants caught illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border soared to record highs after President Joe Biden took office in 2021, fueling criticism by Abbott and other Republicans.
President-elect Donald Trump recaptured the White House in November pledging mass deportations and aggressive border security efforts.
Biden toughened his border policies earlier this year, leading to a steep drop in migrants caught crossing illegally in recent months.
Abbott said the billboard campaign costs about $100,000 and aims to turn back migrants thinking of crossing illegally before Trump takes office on Jan. 20.
"There are many people who may make a last-gasp effort," Abbott said.
Texas officials said in November that the state would offer 1,400 acres (567 hectares) of land near the border to the incoming Trump administration for its mass deportation initiative.
(Reporting by Ted Hesson in Washington; Editing by Sandra Maler)
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