Influencer Who Encouraged Squatting Under Another Investigation Says Report
On Wednesday, the New York Post reported that an illegal Venezuelan migrant who had taken to social media to mock America and encourage others to squat in U.S. citizens’ homes, is now facing potential federal firearms charges. According to internal federal documents reviewed by the Post, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has been in touch with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding Leonel Moreno and is working to bring charges against him.
The exact charges against Moreno are not yet known, but sources told the Post that they would likely fall under a section of the Gun Control Act, which prohibits those on parole from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition. Moreno, who had crossed into the U.S. illegally in 2022, was arrested by authorities on March 29 after he failed to appear for required check-ins with officers.
In a series of five short videos, Moreno flaunted a stack of cash, bragged about not having to work, and mocked fellow migrants who come to the U.S. to work cleaning, construction, and landscaping jobs. “I didn’t cross the Rio Grande to work like a slave,” Moreno said in Spanish, according to a translation of his videos. “I came to the U.S. to mark my territory.”
Moreno’s TikTok account, which had more than 500,000 followers, appeared to have been removed as of Wednesday. In previous videos, he claimed that his family had received $350 a week in government handouts since entering the U.S. illegally, and had been making up to $1,000 a week on the video platform. Despite the deletion of his account, Moreno remained unfazed, stating that he still has Facebook and Instagram to earn money online, in addition to government handouts.
The former field office director for ICE in Denver, John Fabbricatore, stated that any further charges against Moreno would “escalate” his case, potentially allowing authorities to keep him in custody longer. Moreno currently remains in custody at the Geauga County Jail, where he is being held on behalf of ICE.
“This should be a warning to any illegal aliens that possessing a firearm unlawfully will result in criminal charges and, hopefully, lead to a conviction,” stated Fabbricatore, who is also running for Congress in Colorado’s Sixth District.
Since his arrest, Moreno’s videos have sparked controversy and outrage. Many have condemned his behavior and statements, calling them disrespectful and insulting to hardworking immigrants.
Others have pointed out the societal issues that these videos bring to the surface, such as the exploitation of social media for financial gain and the willingness of some to live off of government handouts rather than work. Questions have also been raised about the effectiveness and security of the government’s Alternatives to Detention program, which granted Moreno border parole in April 2022.
As the case against Moreno continues to unfold, there will likely be further discussions about the broader implications of his actions and the policies and systems in place that allow them to occur. The potential federal firearms charges against him also serve as a reminder of the consequences of illegal activity, especially with regard to firearms, in the U.S.
At this time, it is unclear what will happen to Moreno and whether he will face further charges or deportation. However, his case has shed light on a variety of important issues and has sparked conversations about immigration, government programs, and the responsible use of social media. As more information becomes available, it will be crucial to continue reporting on this case in an unbiased and factual manner to keep the public informed.