A Georgia police officer has resigned following a controversial traffic stop that resulted in the wrongful detention of a 19-year-old undocumented college student by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The officer’s resignation was confirmed by the city of Dalton on May 24, 2025, amid growing public scrutiny over the handling of the case.
The officer, whose identity has not been publicly released, was responsible for the traffic stop of Ximena Arias Cristobal on May 5 in Dalton, Georgia. The teenager, who has lived in the United States since she was 4 years old, was pulled over and cited for making an improper turn and driving without a license. However, after reviewing dashboard camera footage, it was discovered that the vehicle involved in the improper turn was not hers but a similar-looking truck. As a result, all traffic charges against Arias Cristobal were dismissed on May 12.
Despite the dismissal of charges, the initial arrest led to far more severe consequences. Following her booking into the Whitfield County Jail, ICE officers took custody of Arias Cristobal and transferred her to a detention facility in Lumpkin, Georgia. The detention sparked public outcry and calls for reform in how local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities handle such cases.
The dashcam footage of the stop reveals a tense interaction between the officer and Arias Cristobal. During the stop, the officer asks, “You ever been to jail?” to which she replies, “No, sir.” The officer then says, “Well, you’re going.” Arias Cristobal responded by explaining her situation, saying, “I cannot go to jail. I have my finals next week. My family depends on this.” These words highlight the human impact behind the legal proceedings and the disruption caused to a young student’s life.
Arias Cristobal’s case is part of a broader pattern affecting families in the Dalton area. Her father was also detained by ICE in April following a separate traffic stop and was held in the same Lumpkin detention facility. Fortunately, he was granted bond and released last week. Arias Cristobal was similarly granted bond and released on May 22 by an immigration judge, allowing her to return home and prepare for her upcoming college finals.
Both Arias Cristobal and her father continue to face deportation proceedings initiated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Despite the dismissals of the traffic charges, DHS has maintained that the pair should face consequences for their undocumented status in the United States. The deportation cases are ongoing, with immigration courts expected to review their status in the coming months.
The resignation of the Dalton police officer comes amid criticism over the department’s initial handling of the stop. Bruce Frazier, a spokesperson for the city of Dalton, confirmed the officer’s resignation but declined to comment on the reasons behind it. The Dalton Police Department issued no official statement on the matter.
This incident has shed light on the complex and often troubling intersections between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement agencies. Advocates for immigrant rights have pointed out that local police officers are sometimes unknowingly complicit in triggering ICE detentions due to mistaken identity or minor infractions.
The case of Ximena Arias Cristobal illustrates how routine traffic stops can escalate into life-altering events for undocumented immigrants, raising questions about the fairness and humanity of immigration enforcement practices. It also emphasizes the importance of proper police training and accountability in preventing wrongful arrests that disrupt the lives of innocent people.
While Arias Cristobal has been released on bond and is now able to focus on her studies, the ongoing deportation threat continues to loom over her and her family. Their story highlights the emotional toll on immigrant families navigating the legal system and underscores the need for comprehensive immigration reform.
The community response in Dalton has been one of support for Arias Cristobal, with many calling for changes in police protocols to prevent such incidents in the future. Local immigrant rights groups and advocates are pushing for clearer guidelines to protect students and families from unjust arrests and detention.
This case also reflects a broader national debate about the role of law enforcement in immigration matters and how best to balance public safety with human rights. The resignation of the officer involved signals an acknowledgment—at least in part—of the serious consequences that can arise from mistakes made during routine police work.
In conclusion, the resignation of the Dalton police officer following the wrongful arrest and ICE detention of Ximena Arias Cristobal marks an important moment in the ongoing conversation about immigration enforcement in the United States. As Arias Cristobal continues to fight her deportation case, her story remains a powerful reminder of the need for justice, compassion, and reform in how immigrant communities are treated by the legal system.
