NYC Home Ignited as Migrant Influencer Complains of Persecution

Leonel Moreno, a 27-year-old Venezuelan migrant who gained attention for encouraging other migrants to squat and take over homes in the U.S., has been arrested and is now complaining from behind bars.

Moreno, who illegally entered the U.S. and urged others to follow his lead, is currently in Geauga County Jail in Chardon, Ohio after being arrested near Columbus. He expressed that he feels persecuted and misses his freedom during a televisit with The New York Post.

Reports indicate that Moreno crossed into the U.S. illegally in 2022 and received border parole in April of the same year. Additionally, he may be facing federal firearm charges, as suggested by federal documents reviewed by The Post.

Controversial Social Media Activity

Moreno made headlines for his controversial TikTok videos in which he boasted about not having to work and encouraged others to exploit squatters' rights laws to take over homes. His videos, which attracted a significant following, have since been banned from TikTok.

Despite the ban, Moreno remains active on Instagram, where he has vowed to continue earning money. He had previously outlined plans to profit from "invading" abandoned houses and selling them for profit.

During his interview with The Post, Moreno claimed that his social media persona was merely a "character" and should not be conflated with his true self. He attributed his controversial posts to his use of sarcastic and dark humor.

It remains to be seen how Moreno's legal situation will unfold as he faces potential firearm charges and grapples with the consequences of his social media influence.