Atlanta, Georgia (CNN) -- Staring at the throngs of media representatives who came out to hear and see her Friday, Jessica Colotl took another step into the fight for her future. The undocumented student from Mexico whose case has become a lightning rod in the immigration debate had been released on $2,500 bond just a couple hours earlier. The 21-year-old student at Kennesaw State University in Georgia surrendered Friday morning to authorities in response to a warrant for her arrest issued Wednesday night by the Cobb County Sheriff's Office. Standing nervously before the crowd, Colotl fought back tears when people cheered for her. The media bombarded her with questions as she tried to give voice to her struggle.
@highlight
Jessica Colotl, an undocumented immigrant, was arrested, detained after traffic violation
@highlight
In U.S. since she was 11, she is close to graduation from her university in Georgia
@highlight
"I'm just trying to live the American dream and finish my education," says Colotl
@highlight
Advocates and lawyers for Colotl liken case to "witch hunt" and say system is flawed
Colotl's legal problems started in late March when her car was stopped on the @placeholder campus.