Department of Homeland Security criticizes ‘strange story’ of activist reportedly abducted by bounty hunters

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is refuting sensationalized news reports alleging that a Los Angeles activist was kidnapped by either federal agents or bounty hunters and is currently being detained near the southern border with the expectation of self-deportation.

Juliana “Juli” Pelaez Calderon was reportedly seized by armed men while en route to work in South Los Angeles, forced into an unmarked vehicle, and transported to the border at the San Ysidro port of entry. At this location, she was pressured to sign self-deportation documents, as noted by her family’s legal representative from the Immigrant Defenders Law Center at a press event held on Monday.

“However, upon Juli’s refusal to comply with the paperwork, her request to appear before a judge, and her plea for legal counsel, punitive measures were taken against her,” stated Attorney Stephano Medina.

Juliana Calderon and family at a news conference.  (KTTV)

“Lazy reporting like this is why trust in the media is at an all-time low. This type of fear-mongering demonizes our law enforcement, who are now facing a nearly 700% increase in assaults against them,” McLaughlin added. 

Calderon, a mother of three, is a member of the community organization Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, Fox Los Angeles reported. She has been allowed to make two calls to her family, but her whereabouts are still unknown, her supporters said. 

“How many people do we think this is happening too?” Medina asked. 

Medina said the federal government has contracted with bounty hunters to “kidnap” illegal immigrants to take them to the border and pressure them to sign self-deportation paperwork. 

Immigration advocates have accused U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents of illegally detaining U.S. citizens and kidnapping people off the street, which authorities have denied.