An arrest warrant was issued Wednesday night for a 21-year-old woman accused of fleeing with her two small children from a southern Minnesota foster home where they were all staying.

The Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday that Reina M. Gandarilla left the foster facility Tuesday afternoon with 2-year-old Isiaah Gandarilla and 4-month-old Iyanna Gandarilla.

The children had been placed in foster care in October, but this month the order was modified so that Reina Gandarilla and the children were placed in the same foster home as part of "Whole Family Foster Care," a program that works to eventually transition the family to living together again on their own.

The arrest warrant is for depriving another custodial or parental rights. A nationwide alert has been sent out about the missing children and the warrant for Reina Gandarilla.

In an earlier statewide crime alert, sheriff's officials said it "is concerned and wishes to locate Reina, Isiaah and Iyanna to ensure their welfare." She is not believed to have a vehicle.

Reina Gandarilla is described as Hispanic, 5 feet 1 inch tall, 175 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Isiaah is Hispanic, with a light complexion, brown hair and brown eyes. Iyanna is black, with black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information in the case should call 1-507-387-5601, or 911 if within Blue Earth County.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482