In a development highlighting the failures of the Biden administration's border policies, Leonel Moreno, a fugitive Venezuelan migrant accused of illegal entry into the United States and inciting squatting through viral TikTok videos, has been apprehended by ICE agents in Columbus, Ohio, after nearly two years on the run.
Moreno, 27, had been evading authorities since April 2022 following his illegal entry through Eagle Pass, Texas. Despite being a known fugitive, he managed to exploit loopholes in the Biden administration's lax immigration enforcement, evading deportation and continuing to disseminate harmful content on social media platforms.
The arrest of Moreno shows the glaring deficiencies in the Biden administration's handling of illegal immigration. The administration's leniency towards illegal migrants, coupled with its failure to enforce immigration laws effectively, has emboldened individuals like Moreno to flout the law and exploit the system for personal gain.
Moreno's brazen disregard for US laws was evident in his TikTok videos, where he shamelessly shared tips on invading vacant homes and circumventing legal consequences. Despite his egregious actions, the Biden administration's lax approach to border security allowed Moreno to operate with impunity, endangering communities and undermining the rule of law.
In a display of audacity, Moreno even posted distressing videos on social media platforms, attempting to portray himself as a victim of persecution. However, his claims of persecution ring hollow in the face of his documented history of promoting criminal activities and exploiting vulnerable migrants for personal gain.
The platform's suspension of Moreno's TikTok account highlights the dangers posed by individuals like him who exploit social media to disseminate harmful content and undermine public safety. While platforms like TikTok have a responsibility to moderate content, the Biden administration's failure to address the root causes of illegal immigration has allowed individuals like Moreno to operate unchecked.
Moreover, Moreno's arrest highlights the staggering failure of the Biden administration to secure the border and enforce immigration laws effectively. Despite record numbers of encounters at the border, only 834 Venezuelans were deported in fiscal year 2023, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data. This glaring disparity between encounters and deportations is a testament to the current administration's inability to address the crisis at the border.
As the Biden administration grapples with mounting criticism over its handling of illegal immigration, cases like Moreno's serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for robust border security and immigration enforcement measures. The safety and security of American communities must not be compromised in the pursuit of misguided immigration policies. It's time for the Biden administration to prioritize the safety and well-being of American citizens and take decisive action to secure the border and uphold the rule of law.