Social Media Outlaw Exposes Immigration and Squatting Loopholes

Phone with TikTok logo in jeans pocket.

A Venezuelan TikTok influencer who encouraged illegal migrants to squat in American homes faces deportation, but diplomatic tensions may prevent his removal.

At a Glance

  • Leonel Moreno, an unauthorized Venezuelan migrant, gained TikTok fame by promoting illegal squatting in the U.S.
  • An Ohio immigration judge has ordered Moreno’s deportation, but Venezuela’s refusal to accept deportation flights complicates the process.
  • Moreno crossed the southern border illegally in 2022 and has since boasted about receiving government handouts.
  • His actions have sparked legislative responses in multiple states to address squatting concerns.
  • Critics argue the anti-squatting bills are a disproportionate response to a manufactured crisis.

TikTok Influencer’s Controversial Rise to Fame

Leonel Moreno, a Venezuelan national who entered the United States illegally through Eagle Pass, Texas, on April 23, 2022, has become a lightning rod for controversy in the ongoing immigration debate.

Moreno gained notoriety on TikTok for encouraging other illegal migrants to “invade abandoned houses” and take advantage of U.S. government support, while flaunting cash and mocking working migrants.

Moreno’s brazen social media presence, where he claimed to make $1,000 a week on TikTok and receive $350 in weekly government handouts, has outraged many Americans concerned about the strain on public resources and the rule of law. His inflammatory statements, such as “I didn’t cross the Rio Grande to work like a slave,” have further fueled the contentious debate surrounding illegal immigration and its impact on American society.

Deportation Order and Diplomatic Hurdles

In a move that many view as long overdue, an Ohio-based immigration judge has ordered Moreno’s deportation. However, the execution of this order faces significant obstacles due to the current diplomatic standoff between the United States and Venezuela. The South American nation has ceased accepting deportation flights from the U.S. and Mexico, retaliating against economic sanctions imposed by Washington.

“After video evidence of their plan to take over homes emerged, we’re ensuring Floridians are protected from this egregious and brazen scheme,” said Florida Republican Attorney General Ashley Moody in a news release when that state’s bill became law.

This diplomatic impasse highlights the complex challenges facing U.S. immigration enforcement. With no direct commercial flights to Venezuela since 2019 due to unrest and violence, the practical means of deporting individuals like Moreno are severely limited. This situation underscores the need for comprehensive immigration reform and more effective international cooperation to address the root causes of illegal migration.

Legislative Responses and Public Concern

The controversy surrounding Moreno has catalyzed legislative action across the United States. Lawmakers in at least 10 states have proposed bills to address squatting concerns, with some states already enacting new laws. These measures aim to revoke tenancy rights, facilitate easier removal of squatters by law enforcement, or classify squatting as a criminal offense.

“I came here to the United States because of persecution in my country … But they’re doing the same thing to me in the United States — persecuting me”

Florida, West Virginia, and Georgia have taken the lead by enacting laws that criminalize squatting. Other states, including Alabama, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina, have pending legislation addressing this issue. At the federal level, a U.S. House bill proposes making squatting a deportable offense, directly targeting situations like Moreno’s.

Broader Implications for Immigration Policy

The Moreno case exemplifies the broader challenges facing U.S. immigration policy. It highlights the need for more robust border security measures, expedited deportation processes for those who violate immigration laws, and better coordination between federal and state authorities in addressing illegal immigration and its consequences.

“They’re talking about all the advantages that you can get from squatting, it’s inevitable that it’s going to increase,” Property rights attorney James Burling said.

While critics argue that the focus on squatting is disproportionate to the actual problem, supporters of these legislative efforts contend that they are necessary to protect property rights and maintain public order. The case also raises questions about the role of social media platforms in amplifying controversial content that may encourage illegal activities.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR