California Woman Charged in Elaborate ICE Kidnapping Hoax Scheme

LOS ANGELES – Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon, a 41-year-old Mexican national from South Los Angeles, has been charged with conspiracy and making false statements to federal officers after allegedly orchestrating an elaborate hoax claiming she was kidnapped by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The scheme, which included a police report, a GoFundMe campaign, and a press conference, was designed to elicit public sympathy and donations. Federal authorities announced the charges on Thursday, July 17, 2025, following an investigation that uncovered fabricated evidence.

The alleged hoax began on June 25, when Calderon's family and attorney held a news conference asserting she had been abducted by masked men from a Jack in the Box parking lot in downtown Los Angeles. They claimed she was taken to the U.S.-Mexico border, pressured to sign self-deportation paperwork, and then held in a warehouse after refusing. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) quickly dismissed these claims as a "hoax," stating that Calderon was never arrested or "kidnapped" by ICE.

According to federal prosecutors, including U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, the entire narrative was fabricated. "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," Essayli stated. "The conduct alleged in today’s complaint shows this hoax kidnapping was a well-orchestrated conspiracy."

Investigators tracked Calderon's movements through cellphone records and surveillance video, which showed her leaving the Jack in the Box parking lot in a nearby sedan. She was located on July 5 in Bakersfield, where she continued to maintain her false story. Authorities also discovered that Calderon allegedly created doctored photos of her "rescue," intended to depict her as abused while in ICE custody, and even planned another press conference to boost her GoFundMe page.

The GoFundMe campaign, initiated by Calderon's daughter, sought $4,500 but only raised $80 before it was removed by the platform. A GoFundMe spokesperson confirmed the fundraiser's removal and the refunding of all donations, stating, "GoFundMe has zero tolerance for the misuse of our platform, or any attempt to exploit the generosity of others." Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang emphasized the impact of such hoaxes, noting, "Diverting critical law enforcement resources is not only reckless and irresponsible, but it also endangers the community."

Calderon faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each charge if convicted. The case highlights broader concerns about misinformation regarding immigration enforcement and the diversion of law enforcement resources.