In the early hours of December 25th, Camila "Cami" Mendoza Olmos, a 19-year-old from San Antonio, was reported missing, leading to an urgent search operation that now involves federal agencies. President Donald Trump's administration has seen various federal resources mobilized to assist with the case, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Olmos was last spotted outside her family home just before 7 a.m. on Christmas Eve, dressed in pajama shorts and a hoodie. The Bexar County Sheriff's Office, under Sheriff Javier Salazar, has spearheaded the search, with continuous efforts since the teen's disappearance. Deputies and volunteers have been working relentlessly to determine Olmos' whereabouts, as reported by CBS News.
"Bye Cami, I love you." – Camila Estrella, recounting her last conversation with the missing teen, Camila Mendoza Olmos.
The search has taken on an international dimension, with Sheriff Salazar indicating that investigators are prepared to extend their efforts beyond American borders. This decision underscores the comprehensive nature of the search, ensuring that no lead is overlooked. Security camera footage from the family's residence shows Olmos searching through her vehicle before disappearing from view, marking the last confirmed sighting.
Investigators have established that Olmos did not return to her home after leaving that morning. Her car was found at the residence, suggesting she left on foot. The only items she is thought to have taken are her car keys and possibly her driver's license.
Multiple theories are being explored, including the possibilities of kidnapping or human trafficking. However, authorities are also considering whether Olmos may have chosen to leave of her own accord. Sheriff Salazar has mentioned recent personal developments in Olmos' life, such as a breakup, but found no suspicious connections to her disappearance. Individuals close to Olmos have cooperated fully with the investigation.
Salazar has also addressed concerns regarding immigration enforcement, confirming that Olmos, a U.S. citizen, has not been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He has personally ensured that she is not held in any federal detention facility.
The teen's mother, Rosario, discovered her daughter's absence and, after failing to contact her by 9:30 a.m., found Olmos' cell phone with a depleted battery at home. The sheriff noted the abandonment of the phone as unusual, given Olmos' active lifestyle, and emphasized the grave concerns for her well-being. The situation has been classified as involving "imminent danger," according to CBS.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security have joined the search, monitoring border crossings and international travel records. Childhood friend Camila Estrella recalled a phone conversation with Olmos where they discussed shopping for an upcoming event. Estrella described Olmos as loving and warm, expressing shock at the disappearance.
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office has requested public assistance, and a neighbor's surveillance footage tweet has been circulated to aid in locating Olmos.
