Leonel Moreno, known for controversial content, faces detention after evading ICE check-in.

Leonel Moreno, a Venezuelan immigrant and TikTok influencer, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Ohio. Reports indicate that Moreno gained notoriety on TikTok by promoting unlawful behaviours, including squatting in homes and flaunting alleged government subsidies. His activities caught the attention of ICE, leading to his arrest near Gahanna, Ohio, by the Detroit field office’s fugitive operations squad.

Moreno entered the United States unlawfully on April 23, 2022, and was subsequently placed in the Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program. This program, designed to monitor individuals through devices and regular check-ins, soon lost track of Moreno as he failed to comply with its requirements. His failure to report for a scheduled check-in marked the beginning of a more elusive phase, prompting federal authorities to intensify their efforts to locate him.

The influencer’s online presence, characterized by his bold statements about earning money through begging and not intending to work, stirred considerable controversy. In one post, Moreno explicitly stated his lack of interest in working traditionally in the U.S., asserting his success in earning without effort. This rhetoric, alongside his encouragement for others to follow his lead, amplified concerns about his influence and activities.

At the time of his arrest, Moreno’s social media accounts boasted significant followings, with his TikTok account nearing 500,000 followers before its suspension. Despite the setback on TikTok, Moreno remained active on other platforms, including Instagram, where he continued to share his views and experiences.

His detention by ICE marks a significant turn in Moreno’s journey in the U.S., raising questions about the consequences of his online activities and the broader implications for migrants using social media to share their experiences and views, sometimes controversially. As Moreno faces federal custody, the debate over his influence and the legality of his actions continues to unfold.