Illegal Immigrant In California Detained For Faking Abduction By ICE Agents

Last Updated:July 18, 2025, 18:26 IST

Her case came to light after the US Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed the fabricated accusations.

Calderon could face a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison

The US has long struggled with the presence of illegal immigrants. The issue worsens when those on American soil attempt to stir chaos. A similar incident recently occurred in South Los Angeles, where a 41-year-old woman was charged with allegedly making false kidnapping claims against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.

The case came to light after the US Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed the fabricated accusations made by Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon against federal agents. Furthermore, her family held a press conference to spread the allegations widely, later requesting donations to cover legal expenses.

According to the DOJ, Calderon’s family and attorneys from Movement Legal claimed during a June 30 press conference that the undocumented woman was abducted by “masked men" at a Jack in the Box restaurant parking lot in California. They alleged she was taken to the San Ysidro border, where she was presented before ICE officers.

The agents allegedly tried to force her to sign voluntary self-deportation papers, which Calderon refused. However, according to the claims, she was then taken and held in an isolated location.

Exposing the fake kidnapping story fabricated by Calderon and her family, US Attorney Bill Essayli stated, “Dangerous rhetoric that ICE agents are ‘kidnapping’ illegal immigrants is being recklessly peddled by politicians and echoed in the media to inflame the public and discredit our courageous federal agents."

The DOJ has now arrested Calderon, who could face a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. The agency also indicated that additional charges may follow if further involvement is uncovered.

The claims made by Calderon and her family were debunked by the DOJ after reviewing CCTV footage, which showed her willingly getting into a sedan. Moreover, her phone records indicated she had orchestrated the controversy. In fact, her daughter even created a GoFundMe page to seek financial support.

Days before the hoax was exposed, the family held another press conference on July 6, urging donors to increase support for their GoFundMe campaign. They also allegedly fabricated photos of her “rescue" to make it appear as if she had been abused by ICE agents, officials said.

According to KTLA, a spokesperson from the fundraising platform confirmed that the page created by Calderon’s family has been removed. The campaign raised $80, which will now be refunded to donors.

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