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

Leonel Moreno urges illegal immigrants on TikTok

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Texas Department of Public Safety Lt. Chris Olivarez breaks down border patrols’ increased effort at the southern border in hopes to curb the U.S.’s migrant surge. 

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

TikToker urges migrants to take over abandoned homes using squatters rights

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.

Man speaking to camera

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

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.

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and on Twitter: @mikerreports

Authored by Michael Ruiz via FoxNews March 27th 2024