An illegal Venezuelan migrant who used social media to mock America and encourage other migrants to squat in U.S. citizens’ homes is now facing potential federal firearms charges. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has been working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to bring charges against Leonel Moreno. It is likely that the charges will be related to a section of the Gun Control Act which prohibits those on parole from possessing firearms or ammunition. Moreno entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 and received border parole as part of the Alternatives to Detention program.
Moreno was arrested on the outskirts of Columbus, Ohio, after he failed to appear for required check-ins with officers. In video clips, he flaunted a stack of cash, bragging about not having to work and mocking other migrants who come to the U.S. for jobs. Moreno claimed that his family received government handouts since entering the U.S. illegally, and made money from his TikTok account. Moreno’s TikTok account, which had over 500,000 followers, has since been removed. Despite this, he remains determined to continue using social media platforms to make money.
Authorities are considering additional charges that could keep Moreno in custody for longer. John Fabbricatore, a former ICE field office director, believes that further charges would “escalate” the case against Moreno and potentially lead to a conviction. Moreno is currently being held at Geauga County Jail on behalf of ICE. Fabbricatore, who is running for Congress in Colorado, emphasized the consequences of unlawfully possessing a firearm for illegal aliens, stating that it will result in criminal charges.
The potential federal firearms charges against Moreno represent the latest development in his case. The ATF has been in talks with ICE to determine the exact charges that will be brought against him. It is likely that the charges will pertain to Moreno’s parole status and his possession of firearms, potentially leading to a conviction. Moreno’s actions on social media, where he mocked American taxpayers and flaunted his lifestyle, have garnered attention and led to his arrest in Ohio. Despite the removal of his TikTok account, Moreno is still determined to use other social media platforms to make money.
The situation involving Moreno serves as a warning to other illegal aliens about the consequences of unlawfully possessing firearms. The ATF, along with ICE, are working to ensure that undocumented individuals like Moreno face legal consequences for their actions. The case against Moreno continues to develop as authorities pursue additional charges that could keep him in custody for an extended period. The former ICE director running for Congress in Colorado emphasized the importance of holding individuals like Moreno accountable for their actions, particularly in relation to firearm possession.
