Dalton Officer Resigns After ICE Detention Error

Dalton, Georgia police officer Leslie O’Neal resigned after mistakenly stopping and arresting 19-year-old undocumented college student Ximena Arias-Cristobal, which led to her being held by ICE for two weeks and facing possible deportation. The error was confirmed by dashcam footage, resulting in dropped charges, but Arias-Cristobal remains in legal limbo as her immigration case continues without a clear path to remain in the U.S. Her attorney is seeking relief, including a U visa application. The incident also led to her father's ICE detention and subsequent release on bond as he seeks cancellation of removal. The case has drawn national attention, protests, and debate, with community support for Arias-Cristobal contrasted by calls from some politicians for her deportation. O’Neal’s resignation followed criticism of the police department’s handling and public response to the incident.