Missing Florida Baby Found Months Later at U.S.-Mexico Border

Volusia Sheriff's Office says 1-year-old Itzayana Gonzalez was taken into custody by Child Protective Services after her mother was arrested at the border.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:49am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a small, unidentifiable child's toy or object, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic.The discovery of a missing child at the U.S.-Mexico border exposes the harsh realities of family separation and the ongoing challenges of locating vulnerable children.DeLand Today

After a missing child alert was issued for a 1-year-old girl out of DeLand, Florida last year, the Volusia Sheriff's Office has announced that she has been found at the U.S.-Mexico border. The child's mother, Doranalleli Gonzalez, was arrested on an outstanding warrant, while the child was taken into custody by Child Protective Services.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in locating missing children, especially when parents may be trying to evade authorities. It also raises concerns about potential child abuse allegations that led to the initial involvement of the Department of Children and Families.

The details

According to the Volusia Sheriff's Office, the missing child alert was first issued late last year for 1-year-old Itzayana Gonzalez, who was last seen near the 390 block of Circle Drive in DeLand. Authorities believed her parents, Doranalleli Gonzalez and Jose Campo, may have been avoiding a court order from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to take custody of the baby. Detectives later learned that Doranalleli Gonzalez may have been trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border with her daughter. The U.S. Marshals were able to make contact with Doranalleli Gonzalez and Itzayana at the border, where Gonzalez was arrested on an outstanding warrant and the child was taken into the custody of Child Protective Services.

  • The missing child alert was first issued late last year.
  • On Friday evening, detectives revealed they had learned of Doranalleli Gonzalez's potential attempt to cross the U.S.-Mexico border with her daughter.

The players

Itzayana Gonzalez

A 1-year-old girl who was the subject of a missing child alert in DeLand, Florida.

Doranalleli Gonzalez

The 24-year-old mother of Itzayana Gonzalez, who was arrested at the U.S.-Mexico border on an outstanding warrant.

Jose Campo

The 27-year-old father of Itzayana Gonzalez, whose whereabouts are currently unknown.

Volusia Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that issued the missing child alert and announced the discovery of Itzayana Gonzalez at the U.S.-Mexico border.

U.S. Marshals

The federal law enforcement agency that made contact with Doranalleli Gonzalez and Itzayana Gonzalez at the border.

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What’s next

Jose Campo, the father of Itzayana Gonzalez, remains at large, and authorities are still searching for him.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of law enforcement coordination and the challenges of locating missing children, especially when parents may be attempting to evade authorities. It also raises concerns about potential child abuse allegations that led to the initial involvement of the Department of Children and Families.