Laura G. Hernandez-Orellana was just 16 years old when she disappeared from Huntingburg, Indiana, on August 19, 2019. Originally from El Salvador, Laura had entered the United States through the southern border, where she was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Following her release from federal custody, she was placed in the care of a family member residing in Huntingburg, a small community in Dubois County, Indiana.

On August 19, 2019, Laura reportedly left her family member's residence without permission and did not return. Investigators believed she may have traveled to Ohio to be with a boyfriend, although this possibility was never confirmed in the available case information. Her disappearance prompted the Huntingburg Police Department to enter her information into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) was also notified and became involved in efforts to locate her.

Despite these efforts, investigators had not established Laura's whereabouts as of August 18, 2020, one year after her disappearance. At that time, authorities reported having no confirmed sightings, contact, or investigative leads that could explain where she had gone. 

Laura is described as a Hispanic/Latina female with black hair and brown eyes. At the time of her disappearance, she stood approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed between 130 and 140 pounds. She was 16 years old when she went missing and would now be approximately 23 years old as of November 2026. 

Laura's disappearance raises important questions about the circumstances surrounding her departure and what happened afterward. As a young immigrant who had recently crossed an international border and was living away from her country of origin, Laura may have faced challenges navigating unfamiliar surroundings and support systems. However, there is no publicly documented evidence establishing that her disappearance involved trafficking, abduction, or another criminal act.

Anyone with information about Laura's disappearance or current whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Huntingburg Police Department at (812) 683-3003 or email hpd@huntingburg-in.gov. The department's case number is HPD19080303.