Leonel Moreno, an illegal immigrant influencer who mocked America on social media in viral videos, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Columbus, Ohio. Moreno had crossed the southern border into Texas illegally in 2022 and then skipped out on ICE, prompting authorities to issue a warrant for his arrest. He used his social media channels to encourage other migrants to invade the country, squat in the homes of American citizens, and flaunt his earnings made from begging for cash.
In the videos, Moreno displayed a social security card and bragged about making money without much work, contrasting himself with Americans who he said worked like slaves. He expressed a sense of entitlement to the benefits provided by the US government, claiming that he came to the US to mark his territory and make money easily. Moreno’s behavior sparked outrage among many Americans and led to his arrest by ICE after he failed to comply with monitoring requirements under the Alternatives to Detention program.
Upon his release into the US, Moreno was supposed to be monitored with a tracking device as part of the Alternatives to Detention program. However, he stopped complying with the monitoring requirements and failed to show up for a check-in with authorities. Internal ICE records indicated that immigration officials were aware of Moreno’s viral social media presence encouraging illegal immigration, but it is unclear how this affected the handling of his case. ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the specifics of Moreno’s arrest and immigration status.
The case of Leonel Moreno highlights the complexities and challenges surrounding illegal immigration in the United States, particularly in the context of social media influencers who glorify and encourage unlawful behavior. Moreno’s disregard for the law and his open defiance of American norms angered many, leading to calls for stricter enforcement and oversight of immigration policies. The incident also sparked debates about the motivations of individuals who come to the US illegally and the potential consequences of their actions on society as a whole.
Moreno’s arrest serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding immigration laws and ensuring that individuals who enter the country illegally are held accountable for their actions. It also underscores the role of social media in shaping public perceptions and influencing individual behavior, particularly when it comes to issues as contentious as immigration. Moving forward, there is a need for continued vigilance and enforcement to prevent similar incidents and address the underlying factors driving illegal immigration in the US. Overall, Moreno’s case sheds light on the broader challenges and tensions surrounding immigration policy and enforcement in the country.
