The parents of a missing San Antonio teenager are living with a 'dire' fear that their 16-year-old daughter has been groomed and potentially trafficked. Isabella Ramirez, known as Izzy to her family, vanished on the afternoon of January 10, shortly after leaving her Texas home.
A Father's Desperate Plea to His Daughter
Speaking to local broadcaster KENS 5, her father Trinidad Ramirez delivered an emotional, direct message to Isabella, urging her to fight for her freedom. "Mija, fight, fight for yourself," he cried. "Try to get a phone, try to do something. Please, do whatever you can to get away from what you’re in."
Trinidad Ramirez revealed he had grounded Isabella on the morning she disappeared because she had left the house the previous night. In an attempt to sever contact with whomever she met, he tried to confiscate her mobile phone and tablet. He now firmly believes someone deliberately lured his daughter away in what he calls a 'grooming situation', with the terrifying possibility she has been human trafficked.
The Search and a Possible Contact
In the days following her disappearance, Trinidad used phone records to track Isabella's movements to a nearby address, but she was not there when he arrived. The search, now entering its eighth day, is being coordinated by the non-profit Search and Support San Antonio.
Officials from the group told KENS 5 they have spoken to a person claiming to be Isabella, contacted via a mobile number provided by one of the teen's friends. Despite this contact, the case is still officially treated as a missing persons investigation.
The anxiety is taking a severe toll on the family. "I’m holding strong for my family, but I love my daughter," Trinidad said, holding back tears. "And I want her home."
Community Appeal for Safe Return
Search and Support San Antonio has distributed flyers with Isabella's description and issued an online statement increasing pressure for her return. "The pressure is on. Eight days is far too long, and no 16-year-old should be being harboured," the statement read. "Doing so is illegal."
The family is pleading for her to be left at a safe public location like a Walmart, with a guarantee of no questions asked for her immediate pickup. "We know there are people who know exactly where Isabella is," the statement continued. "We are asking you to do the right thing and help bring her home safely."
Isabella is described as:
- 5'3" in height with brown eyes and hair.
- She was last seen wearing grey pants, a dark brown hoodie, and Birkenstocks.
- She has a distinctive birthmark near her belly button.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office on (210) 335-6000 or Safe and Sound San Antonio on (210) 338-0027.
