Fake Kidnapping Scheme to Target Border Patrol Falls Apart on Video

WHO:

Fox News - Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderón was identified as an illegal alien who allegedly fabricated her abduction.

NY Post - An unnamed Los Angeles illegal migrant admitted guilt in federal court over a fabricated ICE kidnapping story.

Fox News - Border Patrol was the intended target of a planned lawsuit.

NY Post - Federal officers were the intended targets of a story described as a smear.

WHAT:

Fox News - Pelaez Calderón pleaded guilty to staging a fake kidnapping.

NY Post - The migrant admitted guilt in federal court after making up a bogus ICE kidnapping story.

Fox News - The article says she altered her appearance and hid in California.

NY Post - The article headline says she was caught on video at a fast-food restaurant.

WHERE:

Fox News - The article says Pelaez Calderón hid in California.

NY Post - The migrant was identified as being from Los Angeles.

NY Post - The headline says she was recorded at a fast-food restaurant.

WHY:

Fox News - The alleged scheme was intended to build a lawsuit against Border Patrol.

NY Post - The fabricated ICE kidnapping story was intended to smear federal officers.

HOW:

Fox News - The article says Pelaez Calderón fabricated her abduction, altered her appearance, and hid in California.

NY Post - The headline says video at a fast-food restaurant exposed the migrant’s story.

(UPDATED October 27, 2026 01:31 UTC)

Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderón pleaded guilty in federal court to staging her own kidnapping and falsely blaming ICE officers. Prosecutors said the fabricated story was intended to support a lawsuit against Border Patrol and smear federal officers. She altered her appearance and hid in California before video recorded her at a fast-food restaurant.