A 19-year-old college student from Georgia, who has been living in the U.S. since the age of 4, was recently placed in ICE custody and is now facing potential deportation. The student, Ximena Arias-Cristobal, attends Dalton State College and was pulled over by the Dalton police for making an improper right turn at a traffic light. Despite having an international driver’s license, which she did not have on her at the time, Arias-Cristobal was arrested for driving without a valid license and for ignoring a “no turn on red” sign. The Dalton Police Department stated that officers are obligated to arrest individuals driving without a license and do not have the discretion to overlook this offense. Following her arrest, Arias-Cristobal was taken to Whitfield County Jail, operated by the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office. She was then transferred to ICE detention at Stewart Detention Center near Columbus, Georgia, where she is held alongside her father, Jose Francisco Arias-Tovar, who was also recently taken into custody.
The family members of Arias-Cristobal shared with ABC affiliate WTCV that her father had been arrested for speeding, and that ICE has been involved due to a local agreement allowing them to take custody of “removable” immigrants detained by state or local law enforcement agencies. Arias-Tovar’s wife mentioned that he has no criminal record, owns a construction company, pays taxes, and is seeking a job permit or visa through legal channels. Arias-Cristobal’s younger sister expressed their family’s hopes for a brighter future in the U.S., emphasizing her sister’s academic achievements and passion for running. Despite not qualifying for DACA protection, a fundraiser initiated by a family friend has raised over $50,000 for Arias-Cristobal’s legal representation and bond expenses. The family came to the U.S. with aspirations for a better life, driven by their daughter’s pursuit of education and athletic dreams.
