Migrant TikTok Influencer Encourages Illegal Migrants to 'Invade' Abandoned US Homes
A Venezuelan TikToker who goes by the name Leonel Moreno has sparked controversy by advising fellow migrants on how to 'invade' unoccupied homes in the United States and invoke squatter's rights. With a TikTok following exceeding half a million, Moreno, operating under the handle @leitooficial_25,
A Venezuelan TikToker who goes by the name Leonel Moreno has sparked controversy by advising fellow migrants on how to 'invade' unoccupied homes in the United States and invoke squatter's rights. With a TikTok following exceeding half a million, Moreno, operating under the handle @leitooficial_25, has garnered dangerous influence and notoriety within the migrant community.
Based in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio, Moreno proffered this dubious advice through a recent video claiming, "if a house is not inhabited, we can seize it." The video, attracting nearly 4 million views, alludes to adverse possession laws, colloquially known as squatter's rights. These laws allow unlawful occupants to establish rights over a property that they inhabit without the owner's consent.
Fanning more controversy, Moreno revealed that he knows of comrades who have already occupied around seven homes using this method. The infamous social media influencer contends that for migrants to avoid homelessness, the only solution is to 'invade' these empty residences.
Moreno's rhetoric has drawn a stark and immediate warning from the local Ohio police. They have cautioned that squatting is illegal, regardless of the migrant status. While the concept of adverse possession exists in the United States, it requires squatters to inhabit a property continuously for 21 years before they can claim ownership. Nonetheless, this timeframe varies between states and comes with several strings attached.
The issue of illegal migration is already a thorny subject in the United States, with millions crossing its borders every year and sparking debate on border security and policies. Moreno's TikTok video has only added fuel to the fire as it continues to circulate, attracting polarized views.
While Moreno's advice may seem like an easy solution for migrants facing homelessness, it is important to note that squatting is a criminal offense and can result in legal action against the squatters. Additionally, it undermines the rights of property owners and can lead to disputes and disruptions in communities.