A Venezuelan migrant’s TikTok campaign encouraging illegal squatting in American homes has sparked outrage and legislative action, but deportation challenges may keep him in the U.S.
At a Glance
- Leonel Moreno, a Venezuelan migrant, ordered deported for encouraging illegal squatting
- Moreno gained notoriety on TikTok for flaunting cash and mocking working migrants
- Deportation flights to Venezuela halted due to diplomatic tensions
- At least 10 states propose anti-squatting legislation in response to growing concerns
Venezuelan Migrant’s Controversial Social Media Presence
Leonel Moreno, a Venezuelan national who entered the United States illegally through Eagle Pass, Texas, on April 23, 2022, has become a contentious figure in the ongoing immigration debate. Moreno gained notoriety on TikTok for his videos encouraging illegal immigrants to squat in American homes and boasting about receiving government handouts.
Moreno’s social media presence, which included flaunting cash and mocking working migrants, drew widespread criticism. He claimed to make $1,000 a week on TikTok and receive $350 a week in government support. After his TikTok account was removed, Moreno continued to boast about his earnings on Facebook and Instagram.
Migrant TikToker Who Taught Illegals to Squat in U.S. Homes Is Unlikely to Be Deported. Here’s Why…
A Venezuelan illegal migrant who went viral on TikTok after he called on other illegals to take over and squat in the homes of Americans has been ordered to leave the United… pic.twitter.com/sTQjG71Ma7
— Tony Seruga (@TonySeruga) September 17, 2024
Deportation Order and Challenges
An Ohio-based immigration judge has ordered Moreno’s deportation following his arrest in March for missing required check-ins with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, the deportation faces significant hurdles due to diplomatic tensions between the United States and Venezuela.
“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” – Source
Venezuela has ceased accepting deportation flights from the U.S. and Mexico in retaliation for U.S. economic sanctions. Additionally, there have been no direct commercial flights between the two countries since 2019 due to unrest and violence in Venezuela. These factors complicate the process of removing Moreno from the United States, despite the deportation order.
Legislative Response to Squatting Concerns
The controversy surrounding Moreno’s social media content has sparked a wave of legislative action across the United States. Lawmakers in at least 10 states have proposed bills to address squatting, with some states already enacting new laws. These proposals aim to revoke tenancy rights, make it easier for police to remove squatters, or classify squatting as a criminal offense.
“After video evidence of their plan to take over homes emerged, we’re ensuring Floridians are protected from this egregious and brazen scheme,” – Source
Florida, West Virginia, and Georgia have already enacted laws making squatting a criminal act. Other states with pending legislation include Alabama, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. At the federal level, a U.S. House bill proposes making squatting a deportable offense.
Venezuelan Illegal Immigrant Teaches Other Migrants How To Become Squatters, Seize Others Property On TikTok https://t.co/GChcnvCFpU
— One America News (@OANN) March 21, 2024
Controversy and Criticism
While many support the new anti-squatting measures, critics argue that these bills address a “manufactured crisis” driven by the landlord lobby. Some believe the media attention on squatting is disproportionate to the actual problem, and that existing laws are sufficient to handle such cases.
“This TikTok video gave some landlords cause to say, ‘We have a squatting crisis,’ without any data or evidence, or cause for there to be legislation to address a matter that’s already handled by an eviction court,” – Source
As the debate continues, Moreno remains in custody at the Geauga County Jail in Ohio, claiming to be a victim of persecution and media defamation. His case highlights the complex intersection of immigration policy, social media influence, and property rights in the United States, as well as the challenges of enforcing immigration laws amid strained international relations.
