Illegal Immigrant Accused of Faking ICE Kidnapping to Solicit Donations
18th July 2025
An illegal immigrant living in South Los Angeles faces federal charges for allegedly falsely claiming she had been kidnapped by federal immigration agents in a fast food restaurant parking lot, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reported July 17.
According to federal authorities, Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon, 41, faked her own kidnapping, and her family used the made-up story to solicit online donations from the community.
Calderon has been charged with conspiracy and making false statements to federal officers.
She is now in U.S. immigration custody and is expected to make her first appearance in Los Angeles federal court in the next few weeks, according to prosecutors.
Federal prosecutors filed a criminal complaint on July 16 detailing the alleged web of deceit that started last month.