Deportation Fears for 19-Year-Old US College Student After Traffic Stop

A 19-year-old college student, Ximena Arias-Cristobal, is facing deportation from the United States after a traffic stop in Georgia. The incident occurred in May 2025, and despite the dismissal of the traffic charges, Ximena remains detained by ICE. Her family, including her undocumented father who was also detained in April, is deeply concerned. "My life is here, and I'm scared I'm going to have to start all over again in a country that I don't know," Ximena shared in a phone interview from detention. Georgia state lawmaker Kasey Carpenter noted the community's heartbreak over the situation, stating, "A lot of people felt like we were going after the hard criminals, and unfortunately, good people are getting caught in the wash on this issue." The case raises questions about immigration policies and the impact on individuals with deep roots in the US. Ximena's sisters, both American citizens, fear for their mother, who also entered the US illegally. The family's story underscores the human cost of immigration enforcement.