Leonel Moreno, a Venezuelan national known as a “migrant influencer” who encourages others to invade the US and squat in citizens’ homes, fled immigration authorities after illegally crossing the southern border into Texas in 2022. Originally enrolled in the Alternatives to Detention program, he was released on parole due to a lack of space in detention facilities. However, Moreno failed to show up for a later court date and was listed as an “absconder” from the program, as indicated in internal Immigration and Customs Enforcement records. His mugshot surfaced for the first time, showing a stark contrast to the gleeful social media videos he has been posting while on the run.
Despite being a fugitive, Moreno continues to post videos on social media, mocking American taxpayers for working like slaves while he boasts about his earnings and financial stability. He waved wads of cash in front of the camera, claiming to have enough money to support himself, his wife, and baby for at least 18 months without having to work. He was recently banned from TikTok but remains active on Instagram and Facebook, expressing confidence in regaining access to his TikTok account and continuing to make money through social media platforms.
According to internal ICE records, Moreno gained national attention for his viral TikTok videos promoting illegal immigration. He frequently brags about earning money from begging for cash, obtaining food stamps, and informing other migrants about how they can take over homes using squatter’s rights. Despite authorities not knowing his current location, Moreno appears to be hiding in plain sight, posting videos in front of a local police car in Gahanna, Ohio.
John Fabbricatore, a former ICE official, stated that migrants who abscond from the Alternatives to Detention program are unlikely to be tracked down by federal authorities unless they are arrested by local police. The program has been criticized for failing to meet necessary standards and having high absconder rates, with ICE often simply removing absconders from the program rather than actively seeking them out. Moreno’s defiance and continued presence on social media highlight the challenges faced by immigration authorities trying to locate and detain individuals who evade the system.
The case of Leonel Moreno sheds light on the complexities of immigration enforcement and the influence of social media in shaping perceptions and behaviors related to migration. While Moreno portrays himself as a successful and independent individual, his actions and statements provoke controversy and criticism from those who view him as exploiting the system and mocking hardworking Americans. The debate surrounding immigration, especially in cases like Moreno’s, raises questions about the effectiveness of existing programs and the challenges of tracking down individuals who evade immigration authorities.
As Moreno continues to evade capture and flaunt his defiance on social media, the situation underscores the need for improved enforcement mechanisms and strategies to address absconders from immigration programs. The conflicting narratives surrounding Moreno’s actions and motivations reflect broader issues related to immigration policy, enforcement, and public perception. Ultimately, the case of this self-proclaimed “migrant influencer” serves as a reminder of the complex and often contentious nature of immigration in the United States.
