Quick Hit: 

A Venezuelan TikTok influencer, Leonel Moreno, who previously urged migrants to squat in U.S. homes, is reportedly on the run from immigration authorities. Moreno, who has been living in the U.S. illegally, is now listed as an "absconder" after allegedly cutting off his ankle monitor.

Key Details: 

• Moreno gained notoriety after defending illegal immigrant criminals and encouraging squatting in U.S. homes.
• He allegedly cut off his ankle monitor after receiving border parole and is now listed as an "absconder" by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
• Moreno previously claimed to be making $1,000 a day as a TikTok influencer, with his account amassing over 500,000 followers at its peak.

Diving Deeper: 

Leonel Moreno, who entered the U.S. illegally with his family, has been receiving $350 a week in government handouts. He gained significant attention on TikTok, where he defended illegal immigrant criminals and urged migrants to squat in U.S. homes. Moreno's TikTok account, which once boasted over half a million followers, appeared inactive as of Wednesday morning. However, his verified Instagram account remains active, with around 17,000 followers.

Moreno reportedly received border parole in April 2022 as part of the government's Alternatives to Detention program. This program is designed to track catch-and-release migrants when there is insufficient room to detain them. However, Moreno allegedly cut off his ankle monitor and is now listed as an "absconder" by ICE.

Moreno's actions have sparked controversy, particularly when he revealed plans to make a business out of "invading" abandoned houses and taking them over with squatters' rights laws, then selling them for a profit. He has also been criticized for living off American taxpayers' money and encouraging his followers to support a suspect in a New York City shooting.

Illegal immigration from Venezuela has become increasingly visible, with notorious gangs like Tren de Aragua working to establish a foothold on U.S. soil. Authorities have warned of the gang's presence in several states, including New York, Florida, Texas, Illinois, and Georgia.