Leonel Moreno, the self-proclaimed “migrant influencer” who sparked controversy by encouraging others to invade abandoned houses in the United States, is now on the run from immigration officials. The Venezuelan citizen illegally crossed the southern border in April 2022 and was enrolled in the Alternatives to Detention program, which allows authorities to monitor migrants using ankle monitors or other technology.
However, Moreno did not comply with the rules of the program and is now considered an “escapee,” according to internal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) documents viewed by the New York Post. Police in Gahanna, Ohio, where Moreno was last known to be located, are aware of the situation but have not had any contact with him and do not know his current whereabouts.
The controversy surrounding Moreno began when he posted a video online threatening to invade abandoned houses in the United States, citing a law that he claimed allowed for such actions. In the video, he urged his fellow citizens to follow his lead in order to avoid being a burden on the public.
While Moreno displayed documents indicating his legal status in the United States, his actions have sparked outrage among many who see his behavior as criminal. Legal experts have pointed out that invading private property and residing in it without permission is a serious offense that violates the rights of property owners.
Furthermore, Moreno’s flaunting of his earnings through begging for cash and using government assistance programs like food stamps has drawn criticism from social media users. He has claimed to make up to $1,000 a day from begging and referred to it as a “good business” in the United States.
As authorities continue to search for Leonel Moreno, the debate over the implications of his actions and the broader issue of immigration and public assistance in the United States shows no signs of subsiding.