Illegal Immigrant Accused of Faking ICE Kidnapping to Solicit Donations

Federal authorities alleged that her family used the made-up story to solicit online donations from the community.
Illegal Immigrant Accused of Faking ICE Kidnapping to Solicit Donations
The badge of a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Hawthorne, Calif., on March 1, 2020. Lucy Nicholson/Reuters
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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.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
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Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.