A Venezuelan illegal immigrant, who gained notoriety for encouraging others to squat in American homes, is believed to be linked to Venezuela’s military intelligence unit. Leonel Moreno, who has been in the U.S. for nearly two years, was reportedly a sergeant in Venezuela’s military intelligence before arriving in America, according to a federal source cited by the New York Post.
Moreno became a social media sensation after posting a video urging illegal immigrants to “invade” U.S. homes and claim “squatters rights.” In another clip, he boasted about receiving government benefits while waving $100 bills, stating, “I didn’t cross the Rio Grande to work like a slave.”
In March, Moreno was arrested in Columbus, Ohio, for violating the conditions of his release under the Border Patrol’s Alternatives to Detention program. Venezuela has refused to cooperate with U.S. authorities, making it difficult to confirm Moreno’s background.
A Homeland Security source expressed frustration over the lack of international cooperation, with one border agent saying, “I wanted to get into Border Patrol and protect from terrorists. And it’s like, well, I probably let terrorists in the country.”
Geauga County Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand told the New York Post that Moreno has not caused any issues while in custody. “I don’t know of any problems that we’ve had with him. He’s in with the rest of the ICE inmates,” Hildenbrand said.
In a previous interview with the Post, Moreno portrayed himself as a victim, claiming persecution both in Venezuela and in the U.S. “I came here to the United States because of persecution in my country … But they’re doing the same thing to me in the United States – persecuting me,” he said. “It’s all misinformation in the media about me. They’re defaming me. They’re misrepresenting me in the news … I am a good father, a good husband, a good son, a good person, humble, respectful to people who respect me.”
Many social media users have expressed skepticism about the open southern border, noting that millions of illegal immigrants have entered the country under President Biden’s administration. Concerns have been raised about the lack of knowledge regarding the backgrounds of these individuals and their willingness to assimilate into American society.
