According to USA Today, migrant-smuggling “influencers” are using TikTok to advertise their services, leveraging popular hashtags such as “sueño americano” (“American dream”).
Migrant smugglers — known as “coyotes” — are advertising their illegal transportation services into the US through the southern border via the Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok, according to USA Today.
The outlet found dozens of suspected coyotes using popular TikTok hashtags such as “sueno americano” (“American dream”). One coyote, who advertises on TikTok, spoke with the media outlet about how he “facilitates travel for migrants across the border in exchange for money.”
Another coyote influencer told The New York Post he charges around $10,500 to transport a Mexican national into the US. Prices vary on what country the migrant is from.
The proliferation of social media advertising by coyotes is so rampant that the United Nations International Organization for Migration warned about this dangerous trend.
Bloomberg reported that NYC Mayor Eric Adams plans to cut services for New Yorkers so that migrants can stay in hotels free of charge.