US Deports TikTok Influencer Promoting Home Squatting

Leonel Moreno, a Venezuelan known as the 'migrant influencer' for his controversial TikTok videos promoting the occupation of vacant homes in the U.S., has been deported back to Venezuela. Moreno illegally crossed the border in April 2022 and initially was released under ICE supervision but later failed to comply with reporting requirements, leading to his detention in March 2024. His deportation was part of renewed efforts by the Trump administration to resume deportation flights to Venezuela, which had previously refused to accept deportees. Moreno's social media posts, which included flaunting cash and claiming to exploit U.S. welfare benefits, sparked public outrage. Upon his deportation, he reportedly caused a disruption during the flight, necessitating increased security measures. Following his arrival in Venezuela, he was greeted by officials and expressed a sense of defiance despite the circumstances of his removal.