Dalton officer resigns after college student's arrest leading to ICE detention
Share this @internewscast.com

The city confirmed Officer Leslie O’Neal resigned from the Dalton Police Department on Friday.

DALTON, Ga. — The Dalton police officer involved in the arrest of Ximena Arias-Cristibal, who is a college student, during a traffic stop that eventually resulted in her detainment by ICE, has stepped down from his position.

City officials confirmed that Officer Leslie O’Neal stepped down from the Dalton Police Department on Friday, May 23.

“We can confirm that Officer O’Neal submitted his resignation from the DPD on Friday. He was responsible for arresting Ms. Arias-Cristobal,” a spokesperson for the City of Dalton announced in a statement.

The case of Arias-Cristobal attracted national spotlight and originated when she was stopped by police in what city authorities now acknowledge was an erroneous traffic stop.

Dash camera video showed that another car, not Arias-Cristobal’s, made a right turn at a “no right on red” intersection. Despite this, Arias-Cristobal was stopped and arrested. The charges were later dropped, but not before she was handed over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

She was held for two weeks at Stewart Detention Center before being released on bond Thursday night. Her immigration case is still active.

Her father was also detained by ICE during the same time, but has since been released on bond. He is now applying for “cancellation of removal,” a legal path that may allow him to stay in the U.S.

The Dalton teen’s story drew widespread support from across Georgia and beyond, including protests in Atlanta and the community rallying to raise funds to help with her legal case. Her attorney said the arrest may help support her application for a U visa, which is made available to people who have been victims of “certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity” according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

Arias-Cristobal came to the U.S. with her family at four years old and was not eligible for DACA. She currently has no clear legal path to stay in the country.

“Ximena, however, does not have any qualifying relatives. She does not have a U.S. citizen spouse, parent or child,” said her attorney, Dustin Baxter. “What we’re going to try and do is link her case to her father. If he’s granted permanent residency, she may then qualify as well.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Hochul will raise NY's taxes after the election -- just like with congestion pricing: GOP

Post-Election Tax Hike: NY Governor Hochul Faces GOP Criticism Over Congestion Pricing Strategy

Governor Kathy Hochul is accused by Republican officials of planning to raise…
Tom Steyer says he backs special election for additional corporate taxes

Tom Steyer Advocates for Special Election to Boost Corporate Taxes: What It Means for the Economy

California gubernatorial hopeful Tom Steyer is setting his sights on a 2027…
UK blocks Trump from using RAF bases for strikes on Iran — and he is already retaliating

UK Defies Trump: Denies RAF Base Access for Iran Strikes, Sparks Presidential Retaliation

The United Kingdom has reportedly refused to allow President Trump access to…
President Donald Trump says he doesn't know if aliens are real but directs government to release files on UFOs and more

Trump Orders Release of UFO Files Amid Uncertainty on Alien Existence

WASHINGTON — In response to growing public curiosity, President Donald Trump announced…
2 illegal alien 'perverts' allegedly sodomized, beat, ripped fingernails off male victim in NC home invasion

Disturbing NC Home Invasion: Victim Brutalized by Alleged Illegal Immigrants

EXCLUSIVE: In a shocking development out of North Carolina, two men arrested…
Second alleged Guthrie ransom deadline missed, sparking new theories from Bongino, former FBI agent and doctor

How Ring’s Neighbors App is Revolutionizing the Search for Missing Seniors: The Nancy Guthrie Case

According to a cybersecurity expert, the Ring ‘Neighbors’ app might play a…
Jewish students allege they were harassed at Olive & Oak Cafe near DePaul University campus in Lincoln Park, Chicago

Jewish Students Report Harassment at Olive & Oak Cafe Near DePaul University in Chicago’s Lincoln Park

In Chicago, a group of Jewish students claims they faced religious harassment…
Husband of embattled Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer barred from department headquarters over sexual assault allegations 

Spouse of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer Prohibited from Department Headquarters Following Sexual Assault Allegations

The husband of beleaguered Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer has been prohibited from…
Hidden graffiti in Pompeii reveals 2,000-year-old love notes: 'An immense legacy'

Ancient Graffiti in Pompeii Unveils 2,000-Year-Old Love Notes, Marking a Rich Historical Legacy

In an intriguing breakthrough, archaeologists in Pompeii have uncovered love notes that…
Trump gathers members of Board of Peace for first meeting, with some US allies wary of new body

Trump Convenes Inaugural Peace Board Meeting Amid Concerns from US Allies

WASHINGTON — A coalition of countries, including Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and…
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrested on Suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office

Royal Scandal Unfolds: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrested Over Alleged Misconduct in Public Office

On the morning of his 66th birthday, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, previously known as…
Ex-Prince Andrew looks aghast in photos after arrest for Jeffrey Epstein ties

Ex-Prince Andrew’s Shocking Reaction Post-Arrest: The Epstein Connection Unveiled

Former Prince Andrew found himself in the spotlight once again on Thursday…