Los Angeles woman who claimed masked ICE agents kidnapped her to plead guilty in alleged hoax

Plea follows kidnapping claim

Prosecutors say she falsely reported being seized by masked immigration agents near a Jack in the Box in downtown Los Angeles in June 2025. Her lawyer had previously described an alleged transfer to San Ysidro and abuse at an undisclosed warehouse.

Fundraiser drew limited donations

Calderon’s daughter set up a GoFundMe seeking $4,500, saying her mother had been taken by masked men in an unmarked vehicle. The appeal said the household supported two teenagers and two adults with disabilities and faced eviction.

The campaign received $80 before GoFundMe removed it and refunded donors. The company said the organizer did not receive the money. An immigrant rights group also publicized Calderon’s reported disappearance and called for her return.

Investigation challenged her account

Federal authorities grew suspicious after finding no record that Calderon had been in immigration custody. Investigators began searching on July 3, 2025, and agents found her two days later in a Bakersfield shopping plaza parking lot.

Prosecutors say surveillance footage showed her leaving the restaurant parking area and getting into a sedan, while phone records also contradicted her story. They further allege Calderon and relatives knew authorities were looking for her but did not disclose where she was.

Possible sentence and co-defendant

Prosecutors allege Calderon staged photographs to depict a rescue after abuse and planned another news conference to seek donations and other benefits. DHS said she had not been arrested or kidnapped by ICE or bounty hunters.