Mother Fakes Abduction in Elaborate Scam, Federal Authorities Say

A woman allegedly staged her own kidnapping as part of a scheme to scam money and falsely smear law enforcement officials. Surveillance footage showed Yuriana Julia “Juli” Pelaez Calderon leaving a parking lot and entering a vehicle, contradicting her claims of being kidnapped by armed bounty hunters at gunpoint.

The story gained traction after her family held a press conference, claiming she was detained in San Ysidro and persuaded by an ICE staff member to self-deport. A GoFundMe page was also created to solicit donations under the false narrative.

However, federal prosecutors announced that Calderon was actually in a shopping plaza in Bakersfield days later, still claiming she was kidnapped, which prosecutors confirmed was a hoax. Phone records and additional evidence demonstrated she had fabricated her story to divert resources and incite fear.

Image of a woman's face with 'HOAX' overlaid — The story of her alleged deportation was proven false, authorities say.

Calderon was charged with conspiracy and providing false statements to federal officials. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stressed that her actions, along with reckless claims made by politicians and media, aimed to discredit federal agents and demonize law enforcement efforts.

Surveillance image of a person walking near a building — Surveillance footage showed Calderon leaving the parking lot and entering a vehicle.

Authorities criticized media and political figures for spreading the false narrative, which they say was designed to undermine law enforcement and avoid accountability. The DHS emphasized that Calderon will face justice for her fraudulent actions, and called on media and politicians to be cautious about unverified claims.