DHS denies claims of kidnapping by bounty hunters

In a recent incident in the United States, Juliana 'Juli' Pelaez Calderon, a Los Angeles activist and mother of three, was reported to have been kidnapped while on her way to work. According to statements made by her family's attorney, she was allegedly abducted at gunpoint by men in an unmarked vehicle and taken to the San Ysidro border crossing. There, she was presented with self-deportation paperwork but refused to sign it. Her attorney claimed that after her refusal, she was kept in a warehouse along with other individuals who insisted on their rights, highlighting concerns over their treatment and access to basic necessities like food and water. The situation has raised significant alarm within the community and among immigration advocates, who have voiced fear that similar scenarios may occur to others in the future. As the story gained traction in the media, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) publicly refuted the claims. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a statement categorically denying that Calderon was ever arrested or kidnapped, labeling the narrative as a fabrication and criticizing the media for what she described as lazy reporting. McLaughlin emphasized that DHS does not utilize bounty hunters for arrests and suggested that the reports were irresponsible and harmful, contributing to a decline in media trust and negatively impacting law enforcement credibility. Despite the DHS's denials, Calderon's family and supporters have expressed ongoing concern for her safety and whereabouts, as she has only managed to communicate twice with them since the alleged incident. They believe that she, along with others, has been wrongfully detained, creating uncertainty and fear in the community regarding immigration enforcement practices. Overall, this situation reflects broader tensions surrounding immigration policies and the actions of federal agencies, as well as the narratives that emerge in the media about these complex issues.