Texas Gov. Abbott Launches Billboard Border Campaign

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a new border security strategy aimed at deterring illegal immigration from Central America and Mexico by launching a billboard campaign. The campaign, costing around $100,000, features billboards in multiple languages with stories meant to dissuade migrants from crossing into Texas. Abbott's announcement in Eagle Pass is part of a larger initiative called Operation Lone Star, costing $11 billion, which involves deploying National Guard soldiers and state troopers to the border. This operation emphasizes the use of physical barriers and legal measures to prevent illegal crossings and includes a request for $2.9 billion in additional funds for the next legislative session. Critics argue that this funding request may grant Abbott too much control over state resources. Abbott's strategy highlights his ongoing frustration with federal immigration policies and his efforts to harden Texas' border defenses.