Categories: U.S.

‘Migrant influencer’ urging illegals to squat in US homes on run from authorities: report

close Video

Handyman turned squatter hunter outlines ‘nightmare scenario’ when migrants catch on to housing laws

Squatter hunter Flash Shelton is concerned that migrants will catch on to states’ lenient tenants’ rights laws and create a squatting crisis that is "beyond control."

Join Fox News for access to this content Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account – free of charge. Please enter a valid email address. By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive. To access the content, check your email and follow the instructions provided. Having trouble? Click here.

The Venezuelan TikToker who went viral last month after defending illegal immigrant criminals and urging migrants to squat in U.S. homes is now on the run from immigration authorities, according to a new report.

Leonel Moreno has claimed that his family, which includes his wife and young daughter, has received $350 a week in government handouts since entering the U.S. illegally.

On top of that, he had claimed to be making $1,000 a day as a TikTok influencer. However, his account, which at one point had more than 500,000 followers, appeared inactive Wednesday morning. His verified Instagram account, however, has about 17,000 followers and posted two videos Wednesday morning showing him waving a stack of $100 bills as he posed with his baby girl.

TIKTOKER GOES VIRAL EXPLAINING HOW ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SQUATTING LAWS

Venezuelan TikToker Leonel Moreno urged illegal immigrants to take over abandoned homes and invoke squatters’ rights. (TikTok/Screenshot/Leonel Moreno)

Moreno allegedly cut off his ankle monitor after receiving border parole and is now listed as an “absconder” from immigration authorities, the New York Post reported Wednesday, citing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) documents.

ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Moreno reportedly received border parole in April 2022 as part of the government’s Alternatives to Detention program, which is supposed to track catch-and-release migrants when there is not enough room to detain them.

Moreno previously told his audience he planned to make a business out of “invading” abandoned houses and taking them over with squatters’ rights laws, then selling them for a profit.

Venezuelan migrant Leonel Moreno speaking to his social media followers. (TikTok @leitooficial_25)

Although he has allegedly listed his immigration sponsor as a church charity in Miami, he has reportedly been living in Columbus, Ohio.

ILLEGAL BROTHER OF LAKEN RILEY MURDER SUSPECT LINKED TO VENEZUELAN CRIME GANG: DOJ

Moreno shocked the public last month when he bragged about living on the American taxpayers’ dime and called on his TikTok followers to “unite” behind the suspect in a shooting in New York City’s Times Square.

Illegal immigration from Venezuela has become increasingly visible as one of the country’s most notorious gangs, Tren de Aragua, is also working to establish a foothold on U.S. soil.

Leonel Moreno speaks to his followers in a combination of still images taken from videos. (@Leitooficial_26/Instagram)

The gang has been linked to an attack on police officers in New York City, an international cellphone robbery ring and, indirectly, the murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The gang has a notable presence in New York City, Florida, Texas, Illinois and Georgia, authorities have warned. 

Michael Ruiz is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to michael.ruiz@fox.com and on Twitter: @mikerreports

Share

Recent Posts

India launches strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan

close Video Pakistan ambassador calls on Trump to use peacemaking skills to help his country…

37 minutes ago

California AG takes stance on Menendez brothers prosecutor staying on case amid resentencing battle

close Video Defense accuses DA of re-traumatizing Menendez family with 'grisly' images Mark Geragos, the…

47 minutes ago

US officials to meet with Chinese counterparts in Switzerland amid trade war

Top officials with the Trump administration are expected to meet with a high-level Chinese delegation…

57 minutes ago

State Department to merge Palestinian Affairs Office with US Embassy in Jerusalem

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is planning to merge the responsibilities of the Palestinian Affairs…

57 minutes ago

Trump admin reinstates 9/11 survivors program staff following HHS reorganization

FIRST ON FOX: The Trump administration's Health and Human Services Department (HHS) sent out reinstatement…

57 minutes ago

Lawmakers react to Newark airport chaos: ‘Your family deserves to know you’ll be safe’

Lawmakers spoke out to Fox News Digital on Tuesday as chaos ensued at one of…

57 minutes ago