Leonel Moreno, a Venezuelan “migrant influencer” who illegally entered the U.S. and encouraged others to squat and take over Americans’ homes, is now complaining from behind bars that he is the victim of persecution and misses his freedom. He was arrested near Columbus, Ohio, last month after failing to appear for required check-ins with officers. Moreno claimed he came to the U.S. due to persecution in his home country but feels that he is now facing the same treatment. Federal documents suggest he may be facing federal firearm charges as well.
Moreno crossed into the U.S. illegally in 2022 and received border parole in April 2022 as part of the Alternatives to Detention program. This program is designed to track catch-and-release migrants when there is not enough space to detain them. Moreno made headlines for his TikTok videos in which he bragged about not having to work and mocked fellow migrants who come to the U.S. to work hard manual jobs. He stated he did not cross the Rio Grande to work like a slave but to mark his territory. His TikTok account, with over 500,000 followers, was banned, but his Instagram account, with nearly 19,000 followers, remained active.
In his social media posts, Moreno discussed his plans to make a business out of “invading” abandoned houses and taking them over through squatters’ rights laws, then selling them for a profit. While speaking to The Post, Moreno insisted that the person portrayed in his social media posts was just a character and not reflective of his true self. He claimed to have a sarcastic and dark sense of humor that he uses for his job as an influencer. Despite his continued presence on Facebook and Instagram, Moreno expressed frustration at the restrictions on his social media activities.
The situation involving Moreno represents a larger issue concerning squatting and migrant influencers coaching others on how to exploit laws. Experts warn that the damage is already done and that the trend has reached a tipping point. Some homeowners have been left vulnerable to squatters taking over their properties, leading to a need for increased awareness and measures to combat this issue. Moreno’s case serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of encouraging such behavior and exploiting laws meant to protect vulnerable populations.
Moreno emphasized his role as a good father, husband, and son during his interview with The Post, expressing a desire to regain his freedom and return to his former life. Despite facing potential federal firearm charges, Moreno continues to defend his actions and character, attributing any negative perceptions to misinformation and defamation in the media. The ongoing saga of Leonel Moreno highlights the complexities surrounding immigration, social media influence, criminal activity, and the rights of homeowners when faced with squatters. As the story continues to unfold, it serves as a cautionary tale of the power and consequences of influence in the digital age.
