The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched a digital information campaign to make people aware that U.S. immigration laws are tougher following the ending of Title 42.

Title 42 allowed the U.S. to detain migrants at the border with Mexico and deport them back to their countries of origin during the Covid-19 pandemic. The measure expired May 11, triggering concerns there might be a rush of migrants trying to cross into the U.S. illegally, often at the hands of human traffickers. The campaign is designed to "counter lies peddled by smugglers about the end of the public health Order" and to " inform potential migrants that U.S. immigration laws under Title 8 are tougher," the DHS states in its May 10 announcement.

DHS is broadcasting the campaign in Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Ecuador and Columbia, as well as other countries in South and Central America, according to the release. The DHS is utilizing geotargeting along known migration paths and on social media platforms used by migrants.

"The ads reach migrants via mobile devices and direct them to a landing page that clarifies the facts around our enforcement of immigration law and underscores the tougher consequences in place for those who cross illegally," DHS states in the release. "It also includes information on lawful pathways they can potentially access, instead of putting their lives in the hands of dangerous and unscrupulous smugglers."

DHS Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas said in the release that the ad campaign is another approach in the DHS's ongoing efforts in the region to dissuade any migrants who may be planning to pay human smugglers to get them into the U.S. illegally. 

As well as the new campaign, Customs and Border Control (CBC) is continuing the "Say No the the Coyote" messaging effort that began in May 2022. The ads showcase the ways human smugglers, known as "coyotes," profit from and take advantage of migrants, the release reports.

Mayorkas said in the release that the images in the advertisements of encounters with Border Patrol agents and migrants being put on removal flights "are making it very clear that our border is not open, that crossing irregularly is against the law, and that those who are not eligible for relief will be quickly returned."

"Do not listen to the lies of the smugglers," Mayorkas said. "This is what will happen to you. You will be returned.”