GEORGIA – A 19-year-old college student from Georgia, Ximena Arias-Cristobal, has been granted bond after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a traffic stop where police mistakenly pulled over the wrong car.
The Incident
Arias-Cristobal, a student at Dalton State Community College, was pulled over by Dalton Police on May 5 for making an improper turn and not having a valid license. A week later, the charges were dropped when police acknowledged the mistake, but ICE kept her in detention, citing her undocumented status. Born in Mexico, Arias-Cristobal moved to the U.S. at age 4, and while she lived here for most of her life, she does not qualify for DACA protections due to policy changes made in 2012.
Legal Developments
After a detailed review of her case, a judge granted Arias-Cristobal bond on Wednesday, setting it at the minimum amount allowed by law: $1,500. Her lawyer, Dustin Baxter, confirmed that the government did not contest the bond decision. Arias-Cristobal is expected to be released soon and will return to her family.
“The judge determined Ximena is not a flight risk or a danger to the community,” said Baxter. “Her family will pay the bond, and she will be home by tomorrow afternoon.”
Family Struggles
Arias-Cristobal’s father, José Arias Tovar, had been detained in the same facility after a separate traffic stop. He was released on bond last week but expressed the emotional toll of his daughter’s continued detention.
“It’s the most difficult situation in my life,” he said. “I can’t be with my daughter. It’s very sad. I want the best for her.”
Arias Tovar emphasized that his family loves the U.S. and contributes as hardworking, law-abiding residents. His wife, Ndaihita Cristobal, shared the pain of the family’s separation, describing the loneliness she feels in their home without her daughter.
Government’s Stance
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded to the case, reaffirming that both Arias-Cristobal and her father were in the country illegally. DHS offered them an opportunity for voluntary departure, stating, “The United States is offering aliens like this father and daughter $1,000 apiece and a free flight to self-deport now.”
The department urged all undocumented individuals to consider this option, warning that failure to do so would lead to arrests and deportation without the chance to return.
Source Attribution
- NBC News
- ICE and Department of Homeland Security
