Los Angeles Woman Charged for Faking Kidnapping by Immigration Agents

Key Takeaways

• Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon faces federal charges for staging her own kidnapping against ICE in June-July 2025.
• Investigation revealed falsified abduction, including misleading calls, surveillance video, and staged rescue photos.
• She could face up to 10 years imprisonment for conspiracy and making false statements to federal officers.

A Los Angeles woman, Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon, faces federal charges after allegedly staging her own kidnapping and blaming it on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The incident, which unfolded in late June and early July 2025, has sparked widespread debate about immigration enforcement, public trust, and the dangers of spreading false information. Federal officials say the case not only wasted law enforcement resources but also fueled public fear and confusion about immigration authorities.

Alleged Kidnapping and Public Claims

On June 25, 2025, Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon’s family and attorneys reported that she had been abducted by masked men in a Jack in the Box parking lot in Los Angeles. They claimed she was taken to San Ysidro, near the U.S.-Mexico border, and pressured to sign voluntary self-deportation papers. Calderon, a 41-year-old undocumented immigrant and Mexican national living in South Los Angeles, became the focus of a missing person search. Her family and legal team from Movement Legal held a press conference on June 30, 2025, to publicize the alleged kidnapping and called for public support.

In early July, Calderon’s daughter launched a GoFundMe campaign with a $4,500 goal, stating her mother had been kidnapped and asking for donations. The story quickly gained attention, with many in the community expressing concern for Calderon’s safety and questioning the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Investigation Uncovers Staged Kidnapping

Federal agents began investigating the claims soon after the press conference. On July 3, 2025, they confirmed Calderon was not in the custody of ICE or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The investigation included reviewing surveillance footage from the Jack in the Box parking lot. Contrary to the family’s claims of a violent abduction, the video showed Calderon calmly leaving the area and getting into a sedan.

Phone records also played a key role in the investigation. Calderon had allegedly made calls from “borrowed phones” to make it seem like she was being held against her will. However, authorities traced these calls back to her own cell phone, which had its caller ID masked to appear as unknown numbers.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), devoted significant resources to searching for Calderon. On July 5, 2025, HSI agents found her in a shopping plaza parking lot in Bakersfield, California, about two hours north of Los Angeles. The next day, Calderon and her family allegedly planned a second press conference and staged “rescue” photos to further solicit donations. However, the hoax was uncovered before these plans could move forward.

Criminal Charges and Legal Proceedings

Federal prosecutors have charged Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon with conspiracy and making false statements to federal officers. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison, meaning Calderon could face up to 10 years if convicted. She is currently in federal custody and is expected to appear in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in the coming weeks.

The criminal complaint alleges that Calderon and others worked together to fabricate the kidnapping, deceive the public, and raise money under false pretenses. The complaint details the steps taken to stage the abduction, including the use of misleading phone calls and the creation of fake rescue scenarios.

Official Responses and Community Impact

U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli strongly condemned the alleged actions, stating, “The conduct alleged in today’s complaint shows this hoax kidnapping was a well-orchestrated conspiracy. The defendant and all those involved will face the full consequences of their conduct under federal law.” HSI Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang added, “Diverting critical law enforcement resources is not only reckless and irresponsible, but it also endangers the community. The real cost of a fraud like this is the amount of fentanyl not seized, child predators not removed from the communities, and human trafficking victims not rescued because law enforcement re-directed resources to recover the defendant.”

The Department of Homeland Security also issued a statement, warning that spreading false stories about ICE agents “kidnapping” immigrants is dangerous. Officials said such claims, often repeated by some politicians and media outlets, can inflame public sentiment and undermine trust in federal law enforcement.

Family and Legal Team’s Role

Calderon’s family and attorneys from Movement Legal played a central role in publicizing the alleged kidnapping. They held press conferences, spoke to the media, and helped organize fundraising efforts. As of July 18, 2025, neither Calderon’s family nor her legal team has issued a public retraction or further comment following the federal charges.

The GoFundMe campaign, set up by Calderon’s daughter, raised money based on the kidnapping claims. The campaign’s future remains unclear as the legal process unfolds, and questions have been raised about the use of those funds.

Law Enforcement and Resource Allocation

The case has highlighted the strain that false reports can place on law enforcement agencies. The Los Angeles Police Department and HSI spent considerable time and resources searching for Calderon, only to discover the kidnapping was staged. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, such incidents can have far-reaching effects, including delaying investigations into real crimes and putting vulnerable people at greater risk.

HSI Special Agent Eddy Wang’s comments underscore the broader impact: “Every hour spent chasing a false lead is an hour not spent protecting the community from real threats.” Law enforcement officials have called for greater accountability and for the public to verify claims before spreading them.

Procedural Details and Investigation Steps

The investigation into Calderon’s disappearance followed standard procedures for missing person cases:

• Missing Person Report: Calderon’s family filed a report with the Los Angeles Police Department.
• Detention Checks: HSI checked all ICE and DHS detention facilities to see if Calderon was in custody.
• Surveillance Review: Investigators reviewed video footage from the location of the alleged abduction.
• Phone Data Analysis: Authorities traced phone calls linked to the case, revealing the use of caller ID masking.
• Physical Search: Law enforcement conducted a search that ultimately led to Calderon’s discovery in Bakersfield.

Once the investigation revealed inconsistencies in the family’s story, federal agents moved quickly to file charges and take Calderon into custody.

Legal Process and Next Steps

Calderon’s case is now in the hands of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. She is expected to make her first court appearance soon. If convicted of both conspiracy and making false statements to federal officers, she could face up to 10 years in federal prison.

The legal process will likely include:

• Initial Court Appearance: Calderon will be formally charged and may enter a plea.
• Possible Additional Charges: Federal officials have not ruled out charges against others involved in the alleged conspiracy.
• Ongoing Investigation: Authorities may continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.

For official updates and press releases on the case, readers can visit the U.S. Department of Justice, Central District of California website.

Background: Immigration Enforcement and Public Perception

This case comes at a time of intense debate over immigration policy in the United States 🇺🇸. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has increased its activity in recent years, leading to both legitimate and fabricated reports of misconduct. Social media and advocacy groups often amplify these stories, making it harder for the public to separate fact from fiction.

Federal officials say that while it is important to hold law enforcement accountable, spreading false claims can have serious consequences. Not only does it waste resources, but it also undermines the credibility of real victims and advocacy efforts.

Recent Trends and Policy Implications

There has been a noticeable rise in reports—both true and false—about ICE misconduct. Some of these reports have led to investigations and policy changes, while others have been debunked. The Calderon case stands out because of the level of planning involved and the public attention it received.

Officials have not announced any new policies in direct response to this case as of July 18, 2025. However, they have stressed the importance of verifying claims and understanding the consequences of filing false reports. The case is likely to influence future discussions about how law enforcement agencies respond to allegations of misconduct and how the public can best support real victims.

Community Impact and Public Trust

The Calderon case has had a ripple effect in immigrant communities, especially among those who already feel vulnerable or distrustful of law enforcement. Some community members worry that cases like this will make it harder for real victims to come forward. Others fear that public sympathy for immigrants could be weakened by high-profile hoaxes.

Advocacy groups have called for careful reporting and fact-checking before sharing stories about alleged abuse or misconduct. They argue that while it is important to support immigrants, it is equally important to ensure that claims are accurate and not used to manipulate public opinion or raise money under false pretenses.

Solution-Oriented Approaches

To prevent similar incidents in the future, officials and advocacy groups recommend several steps:

• Verify Claims: Always check the facts before sharing stories about alleged crimes or misconduct.
• Report Suspected Fraud: If you suspect someone is making false claims about immigration enforcement, contact the appropriate authorities. Information on how to report suspected fraud can be found on the Homeland Security Investigations website.
• Support Real Victims: Focus resources and attention on helping those who have genuinely suffered abuse or injustice.
• Promote Transparency: Encourage law enforcement agencies to share information about their actions and investigations to build public trust.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon is facing federal charges for allegedly staging her own kidnapping and blaming U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
• The case has raised important questions about law enforcement resource allocation, public trust, and the spread of misinformation.
• Legal proceedings are ongoing, and Calderon could face up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted.
• The incident highlights the need for careful verification of claims and responsible reporting by both the media and advocacy groups.

As the case moves forward, it will continue to shape the conversation about immigration enforcement, public trust, and the responsibilities of both officials and the public. For those seeking accurate information about immigration enforcement and legal proceedings, official government websites and reputable news sources remain the best places to turn.

By focusing on facts, supporting real victims, and holding all parties accountable, communities can work together to ensure that justice is served and that public trust in the immigration system is maintained.

Learn Today

ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, responsible for immigration enforcement and investigations.
Conspiracy → An agreement between two or more people to commit a criminal act.
Caller ID masking → Technique used to hide or alter a phone number’s identification on outgoing calls.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) → Federal law enforcement agency under DHS conducting immigration and criminal investigations.
Voluntary self-deportation → Process where an immigrant agrees to leave the country without formal removal proceedings.

This Article in a Nutshell

Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon staged her kidnapping, blaming ICE, wasting law enforcement resources and raising false public fear. Charged federally with conspiracy, she faces up to 10 years. This case underscores the importance of verifying immigration-related claims to protect community trust and prevent resource misuse.
— By VisaVerge.com