Venezuelan 'Migrant Influencer' Deported After Resumption of U.S. Deportation Flights

Leonel Moreno, known for promoting squatting and flaunting U.S. benefits on social media, was sent back to Venezuela following his arrest and a disruption on his deportation flight.

Leonel Moreno, a Venezuelan national, was deported to Venezuela after entering the U.S. illegally in 2022 and failing to comply with ICE check-ins.
Moreno gained social media notoriety for encouraging migrants to squat in abandoned homes and for boasting about receiving U.S. government benefits.
Deportation flights to Venezuela resumed in 2025 under President Trump, following a previous suspension due to political tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela.
Moreno caused a disruption during his deportation flight, requiring additional security measures, and was welcomed back to Venezuela by government officials.
U.S. authorities are continuing to investigate Moreno for alleged firearm violations and possible ties to the Venezuelan military.