Ximena Arias-Cristobal, a 19-year-old college student of Mexican origin, was wrongfully arrested on May 5 in Dalton, Georgia, after being accused of committing a traffic violation she did not commit.
The officer in charge, Leslie O’Neal, resigned weeks after the incident, after a review of the case revealed a serious error that led to the young woman’s detention by ICE and jeopardized her stay in the country.
Police error puts them at risk
Ximena Arias-Cristobal had come to the United States at the age of 4 and has resided with her family in Georgia ever since.
Although she does not qualify for the DACA program due to eligibility restrictions, she had maintained an impeccable record, focused on her college studies and community activities.
Her life suddenly changed when she was stopped on the allegation that she made a wrong turn and did not have a valid license.
Something that was later proven false thanks to the patrol car’s camera images.
Although the local authorities dropped the charges when the error was proven, the student was turned over to ICE.
The immigration agency held her in detention for more than two weeks while they evaluated her situation.
She was released on bail on May 22, but continues to face deportation proceedings.
His family also faces uncertainty: his father was detained weeks earlier for a minor infraction, and is in cancellation of removal proceedings.
Disclaimer reveals failures
Officer O’Neal’s resignation followed public criticism and pressure from the community.
In his resignation letter, he indicated that he felt unprotected by his own department and feared reprisals, which led him to leave his position after years of service.
The immigration agency held her in detention for over two weeks
QuéOnnda.com
The case of Ximena Arias-Cristobal has brought to the table the risks faced by undocumented immigrants when interacting with local authorities.
Activists and community leaders have charged that mistakes like this are compounded by cooperation between police departments and federal agencies such as ICE.
This has led to unjust arrests, even of people with no criminal record.
Urgent call
Buzzy
Para muchas familias hispanas, este hecho reaviva la preocupación por la falta de protección legal ante situaciones de abuso de autoridad o negligencia.
Organizaciones pro derechos migratorios han reiterado su llamado a que se revisen las políticas de detención y entrega de inmigrantes.
Así como el entrenamiento de los cuerpos policiales sobre cómo actuar ante personas con estatus migratorio vulnerable.
Actualmente, Ximena Arias-Cristóbal continúa su proceso legal con apoyo de abogados y grupos comunitarios.
Mientras tanto, su caso ha movilizado a más personas a exigir una reforma migratoria que proteja a jóvenes estudiantes y trabajadores de bien de ser separados de sus familias por errores administrativos o prejuicios institucionales.
Para más información, visita QuéOnnda.com
