Mistaken Arrest Leads to Deportation Fight for Mexican Student in Georgia

In a surprising turn of events in Dalton, Georgia, a Mexican student named Ximena Arias Cristóbal found herself facing deportation after a simple traffic stop. The incident began on May 5th when police pulled over Ximena's car, mistakenly believing she had made an illegal turn. However, during the stop, it was discovered that Ximena is undocumented. Initially, she was released on bail, but the arrest triggered further investigation by ICE. "It was overwhelming," Ximena shared in an interview, her voice choked with emotion. "There were so many emotions, happiness, sadness... I'm just so happy to be back with my family." The incident sparked outrage among local residents and student groups who organized protests outside the Stewart Detention Center, holding signs that read "Free Ximena!" and "Stop Racial Profiling!" The case highlights the precarious situation many undocumented immigrants find themselves in, even when facing unintentional legal errors. Ximena's story serves as a reminder of the human cost of immigration policies and the need for comprehensive reform. Despite the uncertainty that still lies ahead, Ximena's reunion with her family offers a glimmer of hope in this challenging situation.