Leonel Moreno, an illegal immigrant who has gained popularity as a “migrant influencer,” recently took to Instagram after being banned from TikTok to mock American taxpayers. In a series of videos, he flaunted a stack of cash, bragged about not having to work, and even mocked fellow migrants who come to the U.S. to work in cleaning, construction, and landscaping jobs. Moreno claimed to have enough money to live for at least a year and a half without working and sang and waved cash with a baby in his lap. He criticized those who work for a living, boasting about his ability to make money without much effort.
Moreno’s TikTok account, which had over 500,000 followers, was removed as of Wednesday. He previously claimed that his family received government handouts since entering the U.S. illegally and was making up to $1,000 a week on the platform. In response to the ban, Moreno shrugged it off, stating that he still had Facebook and Instagram to make money online and receive government handouts. He expressed confidence in getting his TikTok account back and continuing to earn money on social media platforms.
Despite Moreno’s popularity, not all of his viewers appreciated his videos. Some labeled him a “clown,” while others questioned the whereabouts of his wife and criticized his inflammatory comments. Moreno allegedly cut off his ankle monitor after receiving border parole and is now listed as an “absconder” from immigration authorities, according to ICE documents. He received border parole in April 2022 as part of the Alternatives to Detention program, intended to track catch-and-release migrants when detention space is limited.
Moreno previously shared his plans to make a business out of “invading” abandoned houses and taking them over using squatters’ rights laws, then selling them for a profit. Despite facing backlash for his controversial videos and actions, Moreno remains determined to make money through various online platforms. Some condemned his behavior and comments as disrespectful and inappropriate, raising concerns about his influence and impact on his audience. The ongoing saga surrounding Moreno and his actions highlights the complexities of immigration, social media influence, and the exploitation of laws for personal gain.