Have you ever wondered how someone can go from being an ordinary migrant to a social media sensation? Don’t worry, let’s meet Migrant Influencer Leonel Moreno! We shall explain how he moved from being oblivious of fame to a household name in this blog post.
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Who is Leonel Moreno?
Migrant Influencer Leonel Moreno is a 27-year-old Venezuelan immigrant who arrived in the US undocumented in 2022.
He made the news as a social media user when he posted videos on TikTok where he gave tips on how to squatter in American homes and how much money his family makes on social security benefits.
His controversial presence comes amid the intense immigration debate in the U.S. ahead of the November presidential election.
Moreno’s Tiktok videos featured him food purchased with government food stamps, while also claiming to be on the streets begging and making about $1000 per day.
Also, Moreno showed disdain for migrants who did the washing, mowing or building jobs in the USA. Despite his viral success, his TikTok account was eventually taken down.
Arrest and Entry into the U.S.
Leonel Moreno, a Venezuelan who is 27 years old, crossed the US-Mexico border at Eagle Pass, Texas illegally in April 2022.
Subsequently, he was placed under the Alternatives to Detention program, which uses the technique of stalking detainees with the use of an ankle monitor, by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) on his arrival in the host country.
Moreno’s wife, Veronica Torres and their infant daughter accompanied him to Columbus, Ohio where the family established a home.
Nonetheless, immigration enforcement labeled him an ‘absconder’ when he failed to come back to the facility within 60 days of his arrival.
TikTok Fame and Controversial Content
Moreno however became extremely popular on TikTok where he was telling his fellow countrymen, Venezuelans, to survive on US state welfare.
His videos showed him bragging about food purchased with food stamps and claiming to receive $350 per week in social security benefits.
Moreno even laughed making one thousand dollars a day begging while ridiculing the migrants doing the construction, landscaping and cleaning jobs.
His deplorable activity has been a subject of great boo-ha in connection with the 2024 presidential elections in the USA.
Recent Arrest and Firearms Charge
Following his viral success, Moreno’s TikTok account was taken down. He was arrested by federal immigration authorities on March 29, 2024.
He is now potentially facing a federal firearms charge. Leonel Moreno faced federal firearms charges after his arrest. These charges stemmed from his provocative online content and actions.
Migrant Influencer Leonel Moreno Video
‘Migrant influencer’ Leonel Moreno’ communicated with the public whilst being locked in Geauga County Jail in Chardon Ohio in a 30-minute video.
Moreno claimed that he was being wrongly subject to political repression. He thinks that the law enforcers are abusing their power by going after him because of the controversial things he does or is about.
As for the law complications that have affected his activities, he insists that he is not guilty, and is simply an affronted man.
While in the video, Moreno noted what life in jail is like to him. He recounted the struggles, the solitude, the yearning to be outside. The video provided a glimpse into his emotional state while incarcerated.
Social Media
Leonel Moreno, the ‘Migrant Influencer,’ gained fame on TikTok with his short video clips. Although his TikTok account was removed, he still has an active Instagram account with over 19,000 followers.
His Facebook page has 46,000 followers. He also has a Snapchat account @Leitooficial which is active.
Bottom Line
Migrant Influencer Leonel Moreno became popular on TikTok through the negative portrayals of residents in the U.S. who live on state benefits. Such a figure generated heated discussions during the run up to the 2024 U.S. presidential elections. Although he has legal troubles, Moreno still remains active and interacts with fans by posting on Instagram and other social platforms.
