Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that charges have been filed against Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon. The Mexican national is accused of orchestrating a hoax involving claims that she was kidnapped by ICE agents and bounty hunters.
The Department of Justice, in coordination with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles, arrested Calderon. The false story initially gained traction earlier this month when media outlets reported on it. According to DHS, Calderon's family held a press conference with their attorney to further the claims, prompting ICE to investigate the kidnapping allegations.
“Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon was never arrested or kidnapped by ICE or bounty hunters—this criminal illegal alien scammed innocent Americans for money and diverted limited DHS resources from removing the worst of the worst from Los Angeles communities," stated DHS. "Politicians and activist media peddled these smears that were designed to demonize law enforcement and evade accountability. Calderon will now face justice and the media and politicians who swallowed and pushed this garbage should be embarrassed."
Calderon faces charges of conspiracy and making false statements to federal officers. If convicted, she could receive a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each charge.
