6/9/2020
UPDATE: The missing children have been located and are fine. The Office of Refugee Resettlement is once again working with the children.
Area Media,
The Holland Police are attempting to locate 16 year old Juan Emerson Garcia-Yax and his 8 year old sister, Emelyn Garcia-Yax. Both children were reported as having run away from their foster home on E 25th St. in Holland. The children originally entered the U.S in March as unaccompanied minors seeking asylum in the U.S., having come from Guatemala. The legal process was started for them through the Office of Refugee Resettlement and they were placed into their foster home in Holland.
During the night time hours this past Sunday night/Monday morning both children ran away from their foster home. Juan left a note for the foster parents expressing his gratitude for everything they had done for them but indicated that they needed to leave to take care of "personal matters".
There were no vehicles missing from the residence. Bus companies and Amtrak were contacted and officers learned either the routes were not currently operational or there were no passengers matching the description of the children. The children have one known relative in the U.S, but he resides in the state of New York and has not heard anything from the children. At this time it is unknown where the children may be headed or their method of transportation.
The children have been entered into the national missing person database. Investigators have also been in contact with the Center for Missing and Exploited Children as well as the FBI
Juan is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5’1" tall, weighing about 110 pounds. He has shorter, straight black hair, brown eyes and has a very dark complexion.
Emelyn is described as a Hispanic female, about 4’6" tall, weighing about 90 pounds. She has long, straight black hair, brown eyes with a dark complexion.
Police area asking for assistance from the public if anyone has seen or comes into contact with the children. Anyone who has information that may help in this investigation is asked to contact the Holland Department of Public Safety at (616) 355-1150 or email investigators at policetips@cityofholland.com. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may contact Silent Observer by calling 1-877-887-4536, texting OCMTIP and your message to 274637 or you may go online and submit a tip using the online form at www.mosotips.com.