Santa Ana Mother Vanishes After Tijuana Family Trip

Police seek information on 21-year-old's disappearance across the border.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:36pm

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A 21-year-old Santa Ana mother named Yasmin Gonzalez Benitez has been missing for 11 days after traveling to Tijuana, Mexico with relatives. Gonzalez Benitez was supposed to return home the same day but never did, leaving her 4-year-old daughter in the care of a roommate. Police say her family members have been uncooperative with the investigation.

Why it matters

Gonzalez Benitez's sudden and unexplained disappearance after crossing the border raises serious concerns about her safety and wellbeing. Her young daughter has now been placed in child protective services, adding to the family's distress. The lack of cooperation from Gonzalez Benitez's relatives also complicates the police investigation into her whereabouts.

The details

According to the Santa Ana Police Department, Gonzalez Benitez left for Tijuana on March 15th with some relatives, but was only supposed to be gone for the day. When she didn't return, her roommate who was caring for her daughter tried to contact her but got no response. Police have not been able to confirm if Gonzalez Benitez actually has a brother living in Tijuana, as one of her roommates claimed. Detectives say Gonzalez Benitez's disappearance is highly unusual, as she was a devoted mother who never left her young daughter for more than a couple days at a time.

  • Gonzalez Benitez left for Tijuana on March 15, 2026.
  • She was supposed to return home the same day.

The players

Yasmin Gonzalez Benitez

A 21-year-old Santa Ana mother who went missing after a trip to Tijuana, Mexico.

Gonzalez Benitez's Roommate

The person caring for Gonzalez Benitez's 4-year-old daughter while she was away, who tried to contact her but received no response.

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What they’re saying

“Unfortunately, our detectives made numerous attempts to contact Yasmin's brother and mother, and they're being very uncooperative.”

— Officer Natalie Garcia, Santa Ana Police Department

“She would take her to preschool. She would come home. She would work, but she always had someone in the care of her daughter. She never left for more than a couple of days with the daughter, so this is very suspicious to us.”

— Officer Natalie Garcia, Santa Ana Police Department

What’s next

Police say they are continuing to investigate Gonzalez Benitez's disappearance and are urging her family members to cooperate with the investigation.

The takeaway

This case highlights the dangers and uncertainties that can arise when someone crosses the border, especially when family members are uncooperative with authorities. It underscores the need for improved cross-border communication and coordination to ensure the safety of all travelers.