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Dalton, GA—A 19-year-old Dalton State College student was released on bond Wednesday following a weeks-long detainment by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Ximena Arias-Cristobal was initially stopped by Dalton police on May 5th due to a case of mistaken identity.
Authorities mistook her vehicle for one involved in a traffic violation. Although local charges related to the traffic stop were dismissed, ICE agents detained Arias-Cristobal, citing her undocumented status.
The Department of Homeland Security has stated its intention to deport Arias-Cristobal to Mexico, asserting that she admitted to entering the U.S. illegally and has no pending immigration applications. During Wednesday’s bond hearing, Arias-Cristobal was granted the minimum bond amount of $1,500. Her attorney, Dustin Baxter, confirmed that the government declined to appeal and that she would be reunited with her family shortly.
This incident follows the detention of Arias-Cristobal’s father, Jose Francisco Arias-Tovar, two weeks prior. He was also detained by ICE after being stopped for speeding and driving without a license, but has since been released on bond.
The Department of Homeland Security has publicly stated that both father and daughter will face consequences for being in the country illegally. They also highlighted a program offering undocumented individuals financial incentives and free flights to self-deport.
The future of Arias-Cristobal’s case remains uncertain, with the next hearing not expected until mid-2026, according to her legal team.