Venezuelan “Migrant Influencer” Complains from Jail About Persecution and Misses Freedom
Leonel Moreno, a 27-year-old Venezuelan who illegally entered the U.S. and encouraged other migrants to squat and take over Americans’ homes, is now behind bars and complaining that he is the victim of persecution and misses his freedom.
In a recent televisit from inside Geauga County Jail in Chardon, Ohio, Moreno spoke to The New York Post, expressing his frustration with the situation. He claimed that he came to the U.S. because of persecution in his home country, but now feels he is facing similar treatment in the U.S.
“It’s all misinformation in the media about me. They’re defaming me. They’re misrepresenting me in the news,” Moreno said, insisting that he is a good father, husband, and son. “I miss my entire life – I miss my freedom!”
Moreno crossed into the U.S. illegally in 2022 and received border parole in April 2022 as part of the Alternatives to Detention program. However, he was arrested near Columbus, Ohio last month after failing to appear for required check-ins with officers. Federal documents now suggest he may be facing federal firearm charges as well.
The Venezuelan influencer made headlines for his controversial 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. His TikTok account, with over 500,000 followers, was banned last week, but his Instagram account, with nearly 19,000 followers, remains active.
In one of his videos, Moreno stated, “I didn’t cross the Rio Grande to work like a slave. I came to the U.S. to mark my territory.” He had plans to make a business out of “invading” abandoned houses, taking them over with squatters’ rights laws, and then selling them for a profit.
Despite his controversial online persona, Moreno insisted in his Post interview that the person on his social media posts was just a “character” and should not be conflated with his normal self. He claimed to have a sarcastic, dark humor and stated, “Leonel Moreno is the opposite.”
As Moreno remains in jail, facing potential charges and backlash for his actions, the debate over squatting and migrant influence in the U.S. continues to be a hot topic. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Written by Bradford Betz, a Fox News Digital breaking reporter covering crime, political issues, and much more.
