A TikTok influencer who is a migrant and has a large online following of 500,000 people is advising fellow illegal immigrants on how to take over empty homes and claim squatter’s rights in the United States, the NY Post reported.
Leonel Moreno, who is from Venezuela and seems to live in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio, explained in a recent video that according to US law, “if a house is not inhabited, we can seize it.”
He seems to be talking about adverse possession laws, also known as squatter’s rights. These laws give people occupying a property without the owner’s permission certain rights under certain conditions.
Moreno said in his viral TikTok video that he has “African friends” who have “already taken about seven homes.” The clip has over 3.9 million views.
The passionate influencer resides with his partner and their infant daughter. He claimed that the only solution for fellow migrants to avoid homelessness and not become dependent on public assistance is to take over empty homes.
Many TikTok users expressed anger at Moreno’s promotion of squatting. It has become a significant issue in various parts of the US, particularly in cities governed by Democrats such as New York City, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.
“Pretty sure this is illegal and I feel like he’s encouraging others to engage in illegal activities,” one person commented.
Another person tagged the FBI, calling on the agency to “please investigate that Venezuelan.”
Elon Musk also reacted to the viral video, shared by journalist Collin Rugg on X, with a flat serious face 😐 emoji.
Laws concerning squatters are present in all 50 states, according to the NY Post. These laws provide trespassers with various protections if they establish lawful occupancy of a home. This can make it challenging for property owners to remove them.
In New York City, individuals who manage to stay on a property for only 30 days can claim squatter’s rights.
“Migration Influencer” Moreno has previously posted videos bragging about making money by begging on the streets and receiving government assistance.
The TikTok guy has over 500k followers on his account and posted the original video for illegal immigrants in Spanish. Despite so much criticism, he has not taken down his clip.
Last month, Moreno attracted attention by encouraging his fellow nationals to rally behind 15-year-old Jesus Alejandro Rivas-Figueroa.
Rivas-Figueroa was charged as an adult with attempted murder for allegedly shooting a tourist in Times Square and firing at police officers.
