Jailed Venezuelan “Migrant Influencer” regrets mocking US, longing for lost freedom
Leonel Moreno, a Venezuelan “migrant influencer” who gained fame by mocking the United States to his 500,000 TikTok followers and encouraging border crossers to “invade abandoned houses,” now finds himself missing the freedoms he once enjoyed in the US. Speaking to The Post from the Geauga County Jail in Ohio, the 27-year-old complained of unfair persecution and misinformation in the media about him.
“I came to the United States because of persecution in my country… But they are doing the same thing to me here: persecuting me,” Moreno lamented during a 30-minute video visit. He expressed his longing for his previous life and freedom, stating, “I miss my whole life, I miss my freedom!”
Moreno, who only spoke Spanish and hid his face from the camera during the interview, claimed to be a good father, husband, son, and person, respectful of those who respect him. However, he expressed fear for his safety in jail, stating, “I’m afraid they’re going to kill me. They are coming for my life!”
The Venezuelan influencer was apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement fugitive operations agents in Columbus, Ohio, on March 29, almost two years after illegally crossing the southern border into Texas with his wife, Verónica Torres. Despite being allowed to remain in the US under a parole plan approved by the Biden administration, Moreno failed to comply with required checkpoints with immigration officials, leading to his arrest.
While Moreno requested that The Post contact his wife for a paid interview, the publication does not pay for interviews. The Venezuelan influencer’s future remains uncertain as he grapples with legal issues and regrets over his past actions in the US.
For more information, visit the New York Post.