A Venezuelan social media figure who gained notoriety for promoting the illegal occupation of homes in the United States has been deported following an investigation into his involvement in a suspected squatting ring operating across several states.
Federal immigration authorities confirmed that Leonel Moreno, a self-described “influencer” with a large online following, was removed from the country after violating the terms of his immigration status. His deportation comes in the wake of growing public concern over videos he posted encouraging migrants to enter vacant American homes and claim them as their own.
According to officials, Moreno used his online platforms to advise followers on how to exploit legal loopholes and squat in properties, including homes that had been left unoccupied or were undergoing foreclosure. In some posts, he boasted about taking over homes without fear of law enforcement intervention, sparking widespread backlash.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) initiated proceedings against Moreno after determining that his actions constituted a threat to public order and were inconsistent with his legal grounds for remaining in the country. Authorities allege that Moreno not only promoted squatting but also acted as a central organizer, helping coordinate illegal property takeovers in multiple jurisdictions.
Local law enforcement agencies in cities where squatting incidents were reported have expressed relief at the deportation, citing growing difficulties in addressing organized squatting operations that drain police resources and place homeowners at risk.
Moreno’s online presence had drawn national attention, with critics warning that his actions were fueling a sense of impunity among some migrant communities. Advocates for property rights called the case an example of why immigration enforcement needs to remain closely linked with criminal investigations when public safety is at stake.
Federal officials stated that Moreno was placed on a deportation flight to Venezuela and will be barred from reentry under current immigration laws. They added that further investigations are underway to identify other individuals potentially involved in the network he helped facilitate.
The case has reignited debate around illegal squatting, property law enforcement, and the broader challenges of immigration policy in urban areas affected by housing instability.