An unexpected new fashion is taking social media by storm. Imagine this: influencers advertising illegal human smuggling into the United States, linked with criminal organizations. This phenomenon is surprisingly gaining the nod from major tech companies. These companies have been seen to shut down American accounts revealing uncomfortable truths about vaccines.
Evidence shows that influencers advocating illegal migration are increasingly visible on social media giants such as YouTube and TikTok. These influencers offer illegal entry into the US with a hefty price tag of $10,000 or more per person.
The New York Post stumbled upon numerous well-made TikTok videos promoting these illegal services. The creators of these videos, often referred to as “coyotes,” present glossy promotional content, portraying the illicit journey of immigrants across rivers and desert landscapes into America.
Many of these videos show joyful, grinning “clients” upon their arrival at so-called “stash houses”—temporary shelters set up post their border-crossing. One might assume such unlawful activities would be swiftly removed from these tech platforms, but indications suggest that Silicon Valley may be more than happy to host such content.
Anyone can get an immediate quote for sneaking an illegal immigrant into the US on social media with a click. It’s as easy as getting a quote for insurance, renting a car, or hiring moving services.
YouTube and TikTok are benefiting from this unlawful immigration trend. A YouTube channel, “Soy Xulen,” run by #ELINMIGRANTEAVENTURERO or “the migrant adventurer,” is a prime example. The channel’s owner, Xulen, suggests the price for his escort service fluctuates based on the migrant’s country of origin.
At the time of writing, Xulen’s content has garnered close to 13 million views. Much of the footage displays smugglers in camouflage, leading immigrants across the US’s southern border.
In one video, a group of border-crossers weighed down with backpacks are seen trudging down a sandy desert road. It also captures a large family squeezed into the back of a vehicle. Another clip features a raft crossing the Rio Grande River, avoiding the watchful eyes of Border Patrol officers.
Xulen’s videos masquerade as “documenting the migrant experience,” but, in reality, it seems to be providing a service that encourages criminal actions—illegally escorting individuals across the US border.
An excerpt from Xulen’s YouTube channel, which currently has around 55,000 subscribers, says, “I like to share moments captured on camera at the precise moment.”
He was quoted by the Post saying that it costs $10,460 per illegal immigrant to be smuggled across the border. Yet, Xulen’s page conveniently sidesteps the dangerous risks linked with human smuggling, portraying it as an exciting adventure instead.
This new trend certainly adds a worrying layer to the complexities of social media’s influence in today’s world.
