TikToker Leonel Moreno, with 500k followers, stirs debate by suggesting migrants “invade” vacant U.S. homes for squatter’s rights. Based in Columbus, Ohio, he claims U.S. law allows claiming empty houses.
In a viral video, Moreno claims, “we can seize uninhabited houses,” suggesting migrants can use adverse possession laws, or squatter’s rights, to legally occupy empty properties.
These state-varying laws may let individuals claim property ownership after openly living there without permission for a set time.
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Moreno’s video, nearing 4 million views, claims he and friends took over seven homes this way. He argues it’s a viable solution for migrants to avoid homelessness.
Critics argue that Moreno’s advice could lead to legal troubles for those who follow it, as unlawfully occupying a property can result in criminal charges.
Moreover, the suggestion to “invade” homes has fueled discussions about property rights and the challenges of addressing housing and homelessness.