Influencing Things Like... House Squatting.
Venezuelan national Leonel Moreno, known for his controversial social media presence, has been deported from the United States following his unauthorized entry and subsequent activities that garnered widespread attention. Moreno illegally crossed into Texas in April 2022 and was later apprehended in Ohio after failing to comply with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) check-ins. An immigration judge ordered his deportation in September 2024; however, logistical challenges delayed his removal until diplomatic relations allowed for the resumption of deportation flights to Venezuela. YouTube+3New York Post+3New York Post+3New York Post+1New York Post+1
During his time in the U.S., Moreno gained notoriety through social media platforms by flaunting cash he claimed to have received from government assistance programs and encouraging other migrants to occupy abandoned properties illegally. In various posts, he boasted about exploiting public resources and disparaged American citizens, stating, "I didn't cross the Rio Grande to work like a slave." Fox News+2New York Post+2New York Post+2
Moreno’s provocative social media presence played a significant role in triggering a wave of backlash, not just from the general public but also from multiple law enforcement agencies. His repeated calls to action—including encouraging fellow migrants to “invade abandoned houses” as a means of securing free housing—sparked immediate concern among U.S. authorities and homeowners alike. He openly filmed himself discussing how to exploit perceived legal loopholes, including squatting rights and government assistance programs, which he framed as entitlements for anyone who had managed to cross into the U.S., legally or not.
Beyond the issue of squatting, Moreno's digital footprint raised more serious red flags. According to sources within Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), he became the subject of deeper investigations when claims surfaced linking him to Venezuelan military intelligence. While not publicly confirmed in full detail, internal reports cited his potential involvement in coordinating with individuals connected to foreign intelligence operations, raising national security concerns. His social media posts—often dismissive of U.S. law enforcement—also featured images of firearms and vague allusions to militant ideology, prompting ICE and federal agents to evaluate whether his activities might extend beyond provocation into criminal or conspiratorial territory.
Authorities acted cautiously, building a case not only around his immigration violations but also his potentially dangerous influence on other migrants who viewed his content. Officials noted a growing trend in which individuals like Moreno used platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Telegram to bypass conventional immigration narratives and promote behavior that directly undermines property laws and public order. ICE agents confirmed that his arrest and subsequent deportation were expedited due to the severity of his conduct and its perceived threat to both civil society and the integrity of the immigration system. His deportation to Venezuela followed months of surveillance and legal proceedings, and officials emphasized it as part of a broader strategy to curtail abuses within the asylum and parole frameworks. New York Post+1New York Post+1
His deportation underscores the U.S. government's commitment to enforcing immigration laws and addressing individuals who exploit public assistance programs. Moreno's case highlights the challenges associated with immigration enforcement and the complexities of diplomatic relations affecting deportation proceedings.
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