On July 17, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice(DOJ) filed charges against Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon, a 41-year-old Mexican national and resident of Los Angeles, California, for orchestrating a fake kidnapping allegedly committed by immigration agents.
The federal indictment indicates that the purpose of the simulation was to obtain donations from the public, after generating a narrative of persecution and enforced disappearance attributed to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
How did the alleged deception unfold?
According to the DOJ, a press conference organized by Pelaez Calderon’s family and his attorney was held on June 30, 2025.
They publicly denounced that the woman had been “intercepted” five days earlier (June 25) by alleged immigration agents.
This while in the parking lot of a restaurant in downtown Los Angeles.
They claimed that she was taken against her will (kidnapping) to the border city of San Ysidro and subsequently held in a secret location, with no contact with family members or legal assistance.
What actions did the authorities take?
Buzzy
Upon verifying that Calderon was not in ICE custody, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) initiated an urgent search.
Finally, on July 5, she was located in Bakersfield, in a shopping center more than 300 kilometers from where she was allegedly “kidnapped”.
At the time of her arrest, she continued to hold the same story, claiming that masked men captured her.
The investigation presented surveillance camera videos showing Pelaez Calderon leaving the restaurant on his own and boarding a sedan with no signs of violence or coercion.
In addition, phone records contradict the family’s account.
It was also discovered that his daughter set up a GoFundMe page to raise at least $4,500, using the story of the alleged kidnapping to stir up the community and receive donations.
The authorities indicate that another press conference was already planned for July 6, which was expected to further increase the media impact and possibly generate more revenue from public donations.
Official reactions
At the time of her arrest, she continued to stick to the same story
QuéOnnda.com
Special Agent Eddy Wang, in charge of the ICE Office of Investigations in Los Angeles, expressed his outrage in an official statement:
“Diverting crucial law enforcement resources is not only reckless and irresponsible, it also puts the community at risk.”
“Since early July, my office invested valuable time and resources in this alleged kidnapping investigation, only to discover that it was a hoax.”
Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon faces charges of conspiracy and making false statements to federal agents.
If found guilty, she could face up to five years in prison on each count.
The case is currently in the judicial phase.
Calderon is in immigration custody while awaiting a federal court appearance in the coming weeks.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
