Police Search for Another Missing Teen in Argentina's Córdoba Province

Argentine police are intensifying their search for Luciana Aylén Barrios Alarcón, a 15-year-old girl who vanished on June 9, 2026, after leaving her school in Colonia Caroya, Córdoba province. The activation of "Alerta Sofía," a national system for urgent searches of at-risk minors, underscores the gravity of the situation, particularly in the wake of the recent femicide of 14-year-old Agostina Vega in the same province.

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From yesterday we haven't stopped looking for her. We searched all night. Today the weather isn't helping us fly the helicopter and drones, but the Fire Federation is here, DUAR is here, the province's firefighters are here, special units are here. We have a very significant deployment of people.

Luciana was last seen by a classmate at a bus stop near her school, Presbítero José Bonoris, as she waited for transportation home. Her mother reported her missing, initiating a coordinated investigation involving the Jesús María Instruction Prosecutor's Office and the Córdoba Provincial Police. Authorities have deployed a significant search operation, comprising nearly 100 officers, over 20 vehicles, and a helicopter, to scour both urban and rural areas of Colonia Caroya and surrounding towns.

The search is being overseen by Córdoba's Minister of Security, Juan Pablo Quinteros, and coordinated by prosecutor Guillermo Monti. They have ordered the review of security camera footage and the collection of witness testimonies to reconstruct Luciana's movements after leaving school. Quinteros assured the public that the search began immediately after the report and emphasized the extensive deployment of resources, including elite police units and firefighters, working through the night.

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Unfortunately, the search continues without news. Yesterday, she attended school. After leaving this school at noon, all trace of her was lost, her cell phone turned off, and since then, the whole family is distraught.

Despite the comprehensive efforts, no confirmed hypothesis regarding Luciana's disappearance has been established. "There is no particular hypothesis; several are being considered, but nothing certain can be communicated yet," Quinteros stated. The disappearance has caused widespread concern in Córdoba, highlighting ongoing safety issues for young people in the region.

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There is no particular hypothesis; several are being considered, but nothing certain can be communicated yet.