Dalton police officer who wrongfully pulled over undocumented teen resigns, city says
Editor’s note: The video above is from previous coverage.
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A Dalton police officer who wrongfully pulled over an undocumented teenager, later leading to her stay at an ICE detention center, has resigned from his job.
A spokesperson with the City of Dalton confirmed on Saturday that Leslie Allen O’Neal stepped down.
On May 5, Ximena Arias-Cristobal was stopped by police for allegedly making an improper turn and arrested for driving without a valid license. When officials discovered she was undocumented, the 19-year-old was taken to ICE’s Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia.
But the next week, police said dashcam video showed O’Neal pulled the wrong car over. Arias-Cristobal’s charges were dropped afterward.
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Despite the exoneration, Arias-Cristobal remained at the detention center for about two weeks before an immigration judge granted her a $1,500 bond. The teen returned home early Friday morning, met with tearful hugs and kisses from her family.
Arias-Cristobal told Atlanta News First she wouldn’t wish what she went through on her worst enemy.
“It’s not knowing what’s going to happen to me,” she said. “Knowing that I could be sent back to a country that I don’t know. Having to be torn apart from my family.”
Despite being undocumented, Arias-Cristobal has been in the United States since she was 4 years old. Her situation has caught national attention, further fueling the conversation about the Trump istration’s immigration restrictions and deportation efforts.
Arias-Cristobal’s attorney said she is seeking a U.S. visa. The next court hearing is scheduled for early 2026.
This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First as we learn more.
MORE COVERAGE:
‘I’m very happy’: Dalton teen returns home after release from ICE custody
Dalton teen placed in ICE custody after being wrongfully pulled over granted bond
Dalton father released from ICE custody while teenage daughter remains detained
Traffic charges dropped against Dalton teen in ICE custody, police say
Community fighting to get Dalton teen out of ICE custody after traffic stop
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