Authorities in Texas say the disappearance of Camila Mendoza Olmos, a 19-year-old who vanished on Christmas Eve, has escalated into a case of imminent danger, triggering an expanded search involving state and federal agencies.
Camila was last seen around 7 a.m. on December 24 outside her family's home on the northwest side of San Antonio, according to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. Surveillance video shows her near her vehicle, which was later found still parked outside the home. Investigators believe she left the area on foot, a detail that has deepened concerns about her safety.
Sheriff Javier Salazar said investigators are treating the case with urgency, warning that Camila may be at risk. Authorities have not publicly identified a suspect, but they have emphasized that her disappearance does not appear routine and that every possible scenario remains under investigation.
New video adds urgency to the search
In recent days, authorities released footage from a dashcam that may show Camila walking alone along Wildhorse Parkway shortly after she was last seen at home. The figure in the video appears to be wearing clothing consistent with what Camila was known to have worn that morning. Investigators are asking anyone who traveled through the area around that time to review their own camera footage.
Officials say Camila left behind her cellphone and iPad, an unusual move that has heightened fears she may not have intended to disappear. Only her car keys and identification may have been with her, according to investigators.
Relatives describe Camila as close to her family and say her disappearance is completely out of character. Family members have traveled from California to Texas to assist in the search, distributing flyers and urging the public to come forward with any information.
Her father has publicly pleaded for help, saying the family believes Camila would never leave without telling someone. Loved ones say she had plans for the holidays and showed no signs she intended to run away.
@abc7chicago Camila Mendoza Olmos has been missing since Wednesday morning, according to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office in south Texas. Mendoza Olmos grew up in Southern California and still has close family ties. Her relatives in Ontario are doing all they can to help with the search as investigators in Texas struggle to find clues regarding her whereabouts.
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Federal agencies join the case
Due to the "imminent danger" classification, the search now involves multiple agencies, including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, as authorities explore whether Camila could have been picked up by someone or transported outside the immediate area.
Investigators have not ruled out any possibilities, including abduction, human trafficking, or a medical or mental health emergency. Officials stress that speculation online can be harmful and urge the public to rely on verified information.
Law enforcement officials say the first days after a disappearance are crucial. The lack of digital activity, the early-morning timing, and the fact that Camila was last seen alone have all contributed to the decision to treat the case as a life-threatening situation.
Authorities continue canvassing neighborhoods, reviewing surveillance footage, and following up on tips from the public. Volunteers have also joined organized searches in nearby areas.
Anyone with information about Camila Mendoza Olmos, or who may have seen her in the early morning hours of December 24, is urged to contact the Bexar County Sheriff's Office immediately. Officials say even small details could prove critical.
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