Federal authorities in California have detained several undocumented immigrants from Mexico for allegedly forging invitations linked to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, often referred to as “hunters of grace.” Prosecutors claim that one woman raised money through social media and engaged in fraudulent activities in an attempt to undermine ICE and other federal law enforcement bodies.
In June, a story circulated about “three mothers in South Los Angeles” who purportedly were misled by individuals claiming to be federal agents and taken to the Mexican border. Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon alleged that she suffered mistreatment at the hands of these supposed agents until she agreed to a voluntary deportation. These claims emerged amid escalating riots and assaults on federal officers conducting arrests in the Los Angeles area.
At a press conference on June 30, attorney Stefano Medina shared details about Juli’s experience, according to KTLA LA5.
Medina remarked, “They took her to the parking lot, got out of the car, armed and masked, and took her with them.” He noted that it happened at night, and the men did not reveal their identities. Juli reportedly believed these individuals were from ICE.
Medina further stated, “Juli wasn’t taken to a detention center but directly to the San Isidro border, where she was presented with documents for voluntary self-deportation.” Calderon, however, refused to sign the documents, telling her attorney that she was punished in an undisclosed warehouse.
Federal prosecutors assert that these allegations are unfounded, created to fraudulently collect funds and instill fear within the community.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California provided a timeline of the events. An affidavit indicated that a lawyer for Calderon’s family held a press conference, where it was claimed that Calderon was lured to San Isidro from a downtown Los Angeles restaurant parking lot and kidnapped by individuals posing as officials. During the press event, media attention intensified, leading to anxiety in the community. At this time, Calderon’s daughter set up a GoFundMe page requesting $4,500, alleging that her mother was abducted by masked figures.
On July 3, concern mounted when Calderon was discovered to be missing. Federal agents grew alarmed, especially after confirming she was not in immigration custody. The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) began their search on the holiday weekend.
By July 5, HSI agents located Calderon at a shopping plaza parking lot in Bakersfield. She maintained that she was abducted and taken into custody with other individuals. However, video surveillance revealed her leaving a car unharmed. Phone records reportedly suggest that her entire narrative was fabricated. It was noted that she and her family were aware of law enforcement’s search efforts but chose not to cooperate. Instead, Calderon seemed to stage a “rescue” and planned another press conference to boost her GoFundMe campaign.
“Diverting law enforcement resources in this manner is not just reckless, it also endangers the community. My office has wasted valuable resources on this sham,” an official stated. “Real consequences include resources being misallocated from serious issues, like fentanyl seizures and protecting the community from child predators.”
Calderon faces charges of conspiracy and making false statements to federal officials. If found guilty on all counts, she could serve up to five years in federal prison for each charge.
Given her status as an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, there’s a strong likelihood she will be deported once her legal issues are resolved.
