NORTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — A former Kennesaw State University student who sparked a nationwide immigration debate could be facing deportation again.
Jessica Colotl's parents brought her to the United States from Mexico when she was 11.
She was arrested and threatened with deportation for a traffic violation in 2010.
Investigators said she lied to an officer in Cobb County. A judge dismissed the criminal case.
Immigration officials said she pleaded guilty in that case, and have now revoked her protected status.
"I'm completely shocked, needless to say. I can't believe this is happening to me," Colotl said.
Her attorney said she agreed to participate in a pre-trial diversion program, which he said was not a guilty plea.
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Bryan Cox said in a statement:
"Jessica Colotl, an unlawfully present Mexican national, admitted guilt to a felony charge in August 2011 of making a false statement to law enforcement in Cobb County, Georgia. Ms. Colotl was subsequently allowed to enter a diversionary program by local authorities; however, under federal law her guilty plea is considered a felony conviction for immigration purposes."
Colotl’s case was reopened when she applied for a pass to see her ailing mother back in Mexico.
Her attorney believes this is just the federal government going after Colotl because it’s cracking down on immigrants.
“I think they’re being vengeful. I think they’re using this as a reason to go after her,” attorney Charles Kuck said.
Colotl said she will fight to stay in this country.
“I’m definitely concerned about what could happen, but right now everything is up in the air,” she said. “So the fight is still going on and hopefully we can resolved this sooner rather than later.
ICE officials said they do not have a deportation order for Colotl, and this is just step one in a long process.
Colotl’s attorney said they are filing paperwork Wednesday to get the matter before a judge.