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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, a vocal critic of strict immigration policies under former President Donald Trump, is under fire for endorsing a kidnapping story that officials now label a hoax.
The Department of Homeland Security took to social media on Friday to criticize the mayor, stating, “Mayor, you pushed a HOAX. There is still time to delete this.” This sharp rebuke followed the arrest of 41-year-old Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon, a Mexican national residing illegally in Los Angeles, who now faces charges related to conspiracy and making false statements to federal authorities.
On July 1, Bass shared a link to a local news article that detailed Calderon’s supposed abduction, claiming, “She’s a mother from L.A. — taken out of her car on her way to work, and then held in a warehouse as officers hoped she would ‘self-deport.’” She added, “No hearing. Just fear. This doesn’t make anyone safer.” This public statement by the mayor received significant attention.
Following the revelation of the charges against Calderon, the Department of Homeland Security reiterated its stance, emphasizing that Calderon was never kidnapped by ICE agents or bounty hunters. They labeled her actions as a fraudulent scheme that misappropriated resources from law enforcement.
RNC Research, affiliated with the Republican National Committee, also weighed in, aptly stating on social media that “Karen Bass spreads a false story demonizing ICE agents.” This assertion reflects the keen political divide surrounding immigration enforcement issues, particularly in Los Angeles.
Details of the Alleged Hoax
According to the Justice Department, Yuriana Calderon claimed that on June 25, she was abducted by masked men in unmarked vehicles while parked at a Jack in the Box. After being taken to the border, she alleged that ICE officials demanded her signature on self-deportation papers. Reports indicate that when she refused, she was taken to a warehouse for an indefinite period.
The Los Angeles Police Department responded by launching a missing person investigation, which subsequently alerted the Department of Homeland Security. Their investigation confirmed that Calderon was not in their custody, prompting further inquiry.
Investigative Findings
During their investigation, agents from Homeland Security Investigations discovered several inconsistencies. Notably, Calderon purportedly made phone calls to friends and family using borrowed phones; however, these calls were actually made from her own mobile device, disguised to show up as an unknown number. This suspicious detail raised red flags for detectives.
Video footage from the incident provided additional evidence, revealing Calderon calmly leaving the Jack in the Box and entering a nearby sedan. Remarkably, despite the presence of a marked LAPD vehicle in close proximity, she did not attempt to seek help from law enforcement.
The investigation affidavit highlighted Calderon and her associates’ lie to federal agents after they were confronted with evidence that contradicted their abduction narrative. They actively attempted to obstruct law enforcement’s investigation by withholding information about her whereabouts.
Apprehension and Legal Consequences
Homeland Security agents located Calderon on July 5 in a parking lot in Bakersfield, California. Despite their efforts to clarify the situation, Calderon persisted in her claims of being kidnapped by masked individuals.
In an unfortunate twist, Calderon’s daughter attempted to capitalize on the alleged kidnapping by soliciting donations through a GoFundMe page. GoFundMe later confirmed that the page was taken down and no funds were accessed by the family.
Potential Sentencing and Current Status
Currently in immigration custody, Calderon faces significant legal repercussions. If convicted, she could face up to five years in federal prison for the conspiracy charge, as well as an additional five years for making false statements.
As this story continues to unfold, attempts to obtain comments from Mayor Bass’s office have gone unanswered. The implications of this incident may resonate widely, given the heightened sensitivities surrounding immigration issues in California and beyond.
Reflections on Accountability
This situation highlights the importance of verifying information before dissemination. In a politically charged atmosphere, public figures must remain judicious, as their words can influence public perception and policy. For Mayor Bass, this incident serves as a stark reminder that the narratives associated with immigration are often fraught with complexity and controversy.
As the case progresses, it may serve as a catalyst for deeper discussions regarding immigration enforcement practices, public safety, and the responsibilities of elected officials to uphold accurate narratives, especially in an era dominated by social media and rapid information dissemination.
