Illegal ‘igrant influencer’ Leonel Moreno, who mocked America on social media in several viral videos, has been nabbed by federal immigration authorities.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) fugitive operations officers arrested Moreno in Columbus, Ohio Friday, according to Fox News’ Bill Melugin.
The arrest comes after The Post exclusively reported how Moreno had skipped out on ICE soon after crossing the southern border into Texas illegally in 2022 and was now wanted by authorities.
While in the US, Moreno used his various social media channels to encourage other migrants to invade the country and squat the homes of American citizens, all while waving around wads of cash and flaunting what he said were government handouts.
In one video, Moreno could be seen holding a social security card. He also frequently boasted of his earnings made from begging for cash.
“I didn’t cross the Rio Grande to work like a slave,” Moreno said in one Instagram clip. “I came to the US to mark my territory.
“You’re hurt because I make more than you without much work while you work like slaves, understand?” Moreno said in another social media post.
“That’s the difference between you and me. I’m always going to make lots of money without much work, and you’re always going to be exploited and miserable and insignificant.”
When he was released into the US after crossing the border illegally, Moreno was enrolled in the Alternatives to Detention program, where he was mointored by a tracking device.
But soon after his release, Moreno stopped complying and failed to show for a check-in with authorities, internal ICE records reviewed by The Post showed.
Internal ICE records reviewed by The Post showed immigration officials were aware Moreno “has been on national news for being viral on TikTok encouraging illegal immigration.”
ICE didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.