Leonel Moreno, a Venezuelan influencer who gained notoriety for encouraging illegal immigrants to squat in abandoned homes across the U.S., has been deported.
The 26-year-old social media personality amassed 500,000 followers by posting videos on TikTok, where he flaunted cash, mocked U.S. taxpayers, and boasted about government handouts. His content, which provided “tips” on exploiting squatters’ rights, sparked national outrage.
Moreno illegally crossed the U.S. border in April 2022 and was released under the border parole system. However, he failed to check in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), leading to his March 2024 arrest in Ohio.
Deportation and Flight Disturbance
A federal judge ordered his deportation in September 2024, but Venezuela initially refused to accept deportation flights. With the resumption of deportations under President Trump’s administration, Moreno was returned to Venezuela.
During his flight home, Moreno reportedly caused a disturbance, prompting extra security measures.
Despite his actions, Moreno insisted he was misrepresented by the media, calling himself a good father and husband. He claimed to be a victim of persecution, though his critics argue he exploited the system for personal gain.
His TikTok account was shut down, but he continued posting on other platforms until his arrest.
