TikTok loudmouth Leonal Moreno, 27, is on the run from U.S. authorities after gaining notoriety for his videos urging illegal immigrants to squat in abandoned houses and take advantage of squatters’ rights laws in the United States.
In light of this absconder’s advice to fellow illegals, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday signed a bill aimed at quickly removing residential “squatters” and offering penalties for those who try it in the state.
According to documents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Leonel Moreno is currently listed as an “absconder” by immigration authorities.
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This means that he has evaded their grasp and is now considered a fugitive. Moreno had initially received border parole in April 2022 as part of the government’s Alternatives to Detention program, which aims to monitor migrants who are released due to limited detention space.
It is worth noting that Moreno had listed a church charity in Miami as his immigration sponsor. However, reports suggest that he has been residing in Columbus, Ohio, contradicting his official records.
In the video rant that made Moreno, famous or infamous, he claimed that under US law, if a house is not inhabited, it can be seized by squatters. He even mentioned that his “African friends” had already taken over seven homes using this approach.
Moreno’s video sparked outrage among TikTok users and the general public. Many viewed his advice as encouraging illegal activities and undermining property rights. Commenters expressed their concerns, with some calling for an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
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During an appearance at the Orange County State Attorney’s Office on Wednesday, Florida Gov. DeSantis said that under the measure (HB 621), “If you’re the victim of squatting, you can simply fill out a form, give it to your local sheriff and the sheriff is instructed to go and remove the people who are inhabiting your dwelling illegally. And that will happen very quickly.”
This would definitely include Moreno.
The bill, in part, could lead to second-degree felony charges for squatters who intentionally cause at least $1,000 in damage.
It also could lead to first-degree felony charges against people who sell or lease residential property they don’t own. The law will go into effect July 1.
In Florida, reclaiming your home from squatters will be quick and simple, avoiding costly delays, litigation, and missed rents.
HB 621 also creates harsh penalties for those engaged in squatting and for those who encourage squatting and teach others the scam. The bill makes it:
- A first-degree misdemeanor for making a false statement in writing to obtain real property or for knowingly and willfully presenting a falsified document conveying property rights;
- A second-degree felony for any person who unlawfully occupies or trespasses in a residential dwelling and who intentionally causes $1,000 or more in damages; and
- A first-degree felony for knowingly advertising the sale or rent of a residential property without legal authority or ownership.
“The squatter scam ends today. With my signature on this piece of legislation, the State of Florida will be better off for it,” said DeSantis.
“Florida is once again leading the nation, this time in securing our state against squatters,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody. “Biden has allowed millions of illegal immigrants to flood across the border. After video evidence of their plan to take over homes emerged, we’re ensuring Floridians are protected from this egregious and brazen scheme. I’m grateful to Governor DeSantis for signing this important legislation into law, and to Representative Kevin Steele for carrying this bill through Session.”
As for Moreno, TikTok has banned his account, @leitooficial_25, where he had amassed half a million followers, as the platform doesn’t allow users to promote criminal activities.
Either does Florida.
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