Mother Arrested in Little Havana After Abducting Son During Visit

Little Havana, Miami, FL, USA - The streets of Little Havana turned into a scene of tension and anxiety as a mother, Ismari Figueroa Leon, was arrested for allegedly abducting her six-year-old son, Ryan Artiles Figueroa, during a supervised visit. The unsettling incident unfolded on June 12, 2025, when Figueroa Leon, 34, reportedly grabbed her son and fled from the Family Resource Center of South Florida shortly before 6 p.m. A visitation specialist attempted to chase after them but lost track near Southwest 13th Avenue, prompting a 911 call to alert police. Local10.com reports that surveillance footage from a nearby convenience store captured Figueroa Leon running with Ryan, capturing the urgency of the situation.

In a swift response to the abduction, an Amber Alert was issued for Ryan, suggesting that he might be in a black 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. Hours later, around 1 a.m. the following day, Figueroa Leon called the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office questioning the Amber Alert. Authorities traced her phone to a location near Northeast 14th Avenue and Ives Dairy Road. This led to her detention and the safe recovery of Ryan, who was found unharmed. After their apprehension, both mother and child were taken to the Special Victims Unit for further investigation, a precautionary step given the circumstances. It’s important to note that since her case began in March, Figueroa Leon had never missed a supervised visit, making this incident particularly alarming.

The Aftermath of the Abduction

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) confirmed the cancellation of the Amber Alert soon after Ryan’s safe recovery, as cited by WSVN.com. It’s a relief to hear that the child is safe, but what led to such a drastic action from his mother? Figueroa Leon invoked her right to remain silent during a recorded interview after being read her Miranda rights in Spanish. As of now, she remains in custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with a bond set at $2,500.

This incident shines a light on the concerns surrounding family abduction, a tragic occurrence that can be driven by various factors, including custody disputes. According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, custody determinations are not required to report a child as missing. Anyone can report a child missing, regardless of legal custody arrangements. Additionally, law enforcement is required by federal law to take immediate action without establishing a waiting period for such reports.

With incidents like this, there’s something to be said for the importance of vigilance and swift action in these situations. If any parent or guardian struggles to get authorities to take their concerns seriously, they are encouraged to reach out to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) for assistance.

As the community reflects on this troubling event, questions linger about what support systems could help prevent such incidents in the future. Awareness and preparedness are crucial, ensuring the safety of children in our neighborhoods. The swift response from law enforcement in this situation likely made all the difference, reminding us of the critical role they play in safeguarding the most vulnerable among us.

For ongoing updates regarding this case and related topics, you can visit Local 10 News, WSVN, and learn more about family abduction issues at Missing Kids.