Leonel Moreno, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela, has become a controversial figure on social media for encouraging others to squat in American homes. Moreno, who is believed to have been a sergeant in Venezuela’s military intelligence, was arrested in Columbus, Ohio, after violating the conditions of his release under the Border Patrol’s Alternatives to Detention program.
Moreno went viral after posting videos on TikTok, urging fellow illegal immigrants to “invade” U.S. homes and claim “squatters rights.” In another video, he flaunted government benefits, waving $100 bills and stating, “I didn’t cross the Rio Grande to work like a slave.” These videos drew significant attention and criticism.
Despite the allegations, Venezuela has refused to provide information to U.S. authorities about Moreno’s background, making verification difficult. A federal source, however, cited Moreno’s past ties to military intelligence, as reported by the New York Post.
A Homeland Security source expressed frustration over the lack of international cooperation, with one border agent lamenting, “I wanted to get into Border Patrol and protect from terrorists. And it’s like, well, I probably let terrorists in the country.”
Geauga County Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand, who oversees the facility where Moreno is held, stated that Moreno has not caused any trouble while in custody. “I don’t know of any problems that we’ve had with him. He’s in with the rest of the ICE inmates,” Hildenbrand said.
In a previous interview with the New York Post, Moreno painted himself as a victim of persecution both in Venezuela and the U.S. “I came here to the United States because of persecution in my country … But they’re doing the same thing to me in the United States – persecuting me,” he complained. “It’s all misinformation in the media about me. They’re defaming me. They’re misrepresenting me in the news … I am a good father, a good husband, a good son, a good person, humble, respectful to people who respect me.”
Moreno’s case has sparked a debate on social media about the security of the southern border. Many users are concerned about the influx of illegal immigrants under President Biden’s administration, questioning the background and intentions of those entering the country. The perceived lack of assimilation and the potential security risks have been major points of contention.
These concerns highlight the broader issue of border security and the challenges faced by authorities in managing and verifying the identities of those crossing into the United States. As the debate continues, Moreno’s story serves as a reminder of the complex issues surrounding immigration and national security.
