On May 5, 2025, Ximena Arias Cristobal, a 19-year-old Mexican student, was arrested in Dalton, Georgia, for allegedly making an improper turn and driving without a license. The local police admitted days later that it was a mistake: they mistook her vehicle for another person’s.
Although the charges were dropped a week later, it was too late for Ximena. When she was released by the police, she was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement(ICE) because she had no legal status in the country.
Deportation continues
ICE has confirmed that the deportation process is still ongoing, arguing that Ximena Arias is an undocumented immigrant.
This is despite the fact that she has no criminal record and was officially exonerated from the initial arrest.
According to her attorney, Dustin Baxter, Ximena has lived in the United States since she was four years old and is currently attending university.
“This is a clear example of the human impact of a broken immigration system. He should not be in detention,” Baxter said.
A family divided
Ximena Arias’ family has also faced other difficulties.
His father, José Arias Tovar, was arrested weeks earlier for driving without a license.
Both were held at the Stewart Detention Center, one of the largest in the country.
However, on May 14, an immigration judge granted Jose bond, which has renewed the family’s hopes.
“I have faith that my daughter will also be able to leave. It has been a very painful process for everyone,” said Dahita Cristóbal, mother of the young woman, who has also been an active spokesperson in the protests that have taken place in Dalton.
Full support
Buzzy
The case of Ximena Arias has generated a strong movement of support among the Hispanic community in Georgia.
Dalton, known for its large Latino population in the carpet industry, has organized multiple protests and raised more than $85,000 to pay for the young woman’s legal defense.
Community organizations and local leaders have denounced that such mistakes should not destroy lives.
“She is a bright young woman, not a threat. She needs support, not deportation,” said a local activist.
Ximena Arias’ immigration status could not be regularized through the DACA program.
Although she arrived in the country as a child, she failed to qualify in time before new applications were frozen in 2021.
This left her vulnerable to any legal incident, even one by mistake.
Hearing pending
An immigration hearing is expected to be held in the next few days to determine whether Ximena Arias will be able to be released on bond.
His legal team insists that he meets all the requirements to continue his immigration process in freedom, together with his family and community.
Ximena Arias' family has also faced other difficulties
QueOnnda.com
This case has reopened the debate on the need for urgent immigration reform in the United States.
Especially for undocumented youth who arrived as children and call this country home.
For more information, visit QueOnnda.com.
