Leonel Moreno, a 27-year-old illegal migrant from Venezuela, has been ordered to leave the U.S. by an Ohio-based judge after failing to show up for required check-ins with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Moreno crossed into Eagle Pass, Texas, illegally in April 2022. However, there is uncertainty about whether he will actually be deported as Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s administration has stopped accepting flights of migrants, complicating the deportation process.
Moreno gained notoriety earlier this year for his inflammatory TikTok videos where he flaunted a stack of cash, bragged about not working, and mocked migrants who work in landscaping, construction, and cleaning. He claimed to make $1,000 a week on TikTok and said his family received $350 a week in government handouts. Moreno also encouraged fellow migrants to squat in abandoned homes. Despite his TikTok account being removed, Moreno continued to boast about his earnings on Facebook and Instagram, expressing his determination to keep making money through social media.
The migrant’s behavior has sparked outrage and criticism, with many questioning his entitlement and disrespectful attitude towards the U.S. and hardworking migrants. Moreno’s actions have also raised concerns about the impact of social media influencers who glamorize illegal activities and exploit their followers for financial gain. It remains to be seen how Moreno’s deportation process will unfold amid the challenges posed by Venezuela’s restrictions on accepting flights of migrants.
In light of the recent controversies surrounding Moreno, Homeland Security sources have confirmed that a judge has ordered him to be deported from the country. Moreno’s disregard for immigration laws and his provocative online presence have drawn attention to the issue of illegal migrants exploiting social media platforms for personal gain. As the situation develops, it will be interesting to see how authorities navigate the complexities of deporting someone like Moreno, who has garnered a substantial following on social media.
The case of Leonel Moreno serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in dealing with illegal migrants who flout the law and engage in provocative behavior online. While Moreno’s deportation order signals a step towards accountability, the actual process of removing him from the country remains uncertain due to Venezuela’s current restrictions on accepting flights of migrants. Moreno’s actions have sparked a debate about the responsibilities of social media influencers and the potential consequences of glamorizing illegal activities for personal gain. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, it is clear that the impact of individuals like Moreno extends beyond his online persona, raising broader questions about immigration, social media ethics, and the enforcement of laws governing migrants in the U.S.
