Family of Missing Hawaii Woman Probing Possible Involvement in Green Card Marriage Scheme

LOS ANGELES—Family members of a woman from Hawaii, who went missing after her arrival at Los Angeles International Airport, are exploring the possibility that she may have been involved in an immigration marriage scam, with police stating she voluntarily crossed into Mexico.

According to the family, “We have not confirmed the authenticity of the images or the correctness of the information regarding a possible secret marriage. This is just one of many leads we are currently investigating with our attorney and investigative team. We would like to confirm that we immediately provided the alleged information to law enforcement as soon as we received it.”

The family urged the public “to refrain from jumping to conclusions or sharing unverified claims. It is particularly important not to spread speculation suggesting that anyone is involved in a scam, as such actions only obstruct our efforts to locate Hannah and seek clarity and closure in this harrowing situation.”

Since her disappearance on Nov. 8, when she landed at LAX but failed to catch her scheduled flight to New York, Kobayashi’s family has been actively searching for her. After weeks of investigations and various alleged sightings of Kobayashi around Los Angeles, Police Chief Jim McDonnell announced on Monday that she was captured on video crossing the border into Mexico on Nov. 12, without any indication of foul play.

McDonnell stated that Kobayashi took a bus from Los Angeles Union Station to the San Ysidro border and crossed into Mexico on foot with her luggage, appearing to be “unharmed.”

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According to police, their investigation revealed that Kobayashi had previously mentioned wanting to disconnect from modern technology, and it is believed that she did not take her cell phone with her to Mexico.

McDonnell emphasized that police “have not determined that any crime has occurred.”

The family noted earlier this week that they had yet to view the video indicating her entry into Mexico and are continuing their search efforts.

According to her family, Hannah Kobayashi was heading to New York City to visit family when she went missing. She arrived at LAX on Nov. 8 but did not board her subsequent flight, apparently spending the night at the airport. The following day, she traveled to The Grove shopping center and returned to LAX that night, as reported by her family. She was seen back at The Grove on Nov. 10, attending a Nike/LeBron James event, before likely returning to the airport. On Nov. 11 at around 5 p.m., she spoke to a ticketing agent at LAX but did not get on a flight, according to family accounts.

The family reported that Kobayashi took an eastbound Metro C Line train at the Century/Aviation Station on the night of Nov. 11, switched to a northbound A Line train at the Rosa Parks Station, along with an “unknown individual,” and they were captured on video at about 10 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Metro Pico Station near Cryto.com Arena. Reports indicate she was seen early on the morning of Nov. 12 at the Union Station bus terminal in downtown Los Angeles.

Earlier, the last messages the family received from Kobayashi included unusual texts, one in which she mentioned feeling scared and that someone might be trying to steal her money and identity.

However, McDonnell reiterated that there was no evidence of any crime. Police also reported that they were able to identify the person seen on video with Kobayashi after they met her at LAX, and he is not believed to be involved in any wrongdoing.

McDonnell stated that Kobayashi did not miss her flight to New York but chose not to board it “for reasons unknown.” Although her luggage was checked through to New York, she requested that it be returned to her at LAX, and she was seen on video collecting her luggage at an airport baggage claim on Nov. 11. This same luggage was observed when she entered Mexico, police confirmed.

LAPD’s Missing Persons Unit has carried out extensive witness interviews, examined video surveillance, and collaborated with local and federal law enforcement on this case,” McDonnell mentioned. “Thus far, the investigation has found no evidence that Kobayashi is being trafficked or a victim of foul play. Furthermore, she is not considered a suspect in any criminal activity. Investigators also noted that Kobayashi expressed a desire to disconnect from modern connectivity before leaving Maui.

“Our main concern is ensuring Miss Kobayashi’s safety and wellbeing. We urge her to get in touch with her family, law enforcement or personnel at the U.S. Embassy to inform us she is safe,” he said. “While she has a right to her privacy, we respect her choices, we also understand the worry her loved ones feel for her. A simple message could provide reassurance to those who care.”

The publicized search by the family took a tragic turn on Nov. 24, when Hannah’s father, Ryan, 58, was found dead near an LAX parking structure, apparently having jumped to his death.

“After tirelessly searching throughout Los Angeles for 13 days, Hannah’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, tragically took his own life,” the family stated at the time. “This loss has compounded the family’s suffering immeasurably.”