Chicago Immigration Judge Grants Release to Father of Cancer-Stricken Teen Daughter

Fri Oct 31 2025 08:59:53 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A Chicago judge has granted bond to Ruben Torres Maldonado, a father detained as his daughter battles advanced cancer, allowing him to return home during her treatment.

After a lengthy battle, a judge has ruled that Ruben Torres Maldonado will be released on a $2,000 bond, citing his lack of a criminal record and the pressing health crisis of his daughter Ofelia, who is diagnosed with a rare cancer. This decision reflects a growing concern around the treatment of undocumented immigrants facing family tragedies amidst strict immigration policies.

CHICAGO (AP) — A Chicago judge ruled on Thursday that Ruben Torres Maldonado, a 40-year-old painter and father of a 16-year-old daughter undergoing treatment for advanced cancer, will be released on bond. Torres Maldonado was detained at a Home Depot store on October 18, prompting his family and community to rally for his release amid ongoing immigration enforcement actions.

Judge Eva S. Saltzman allowed the release on a $2,000 bond, highlighting Torres Maldonado's clean criminal record. His attorney, Kalman Resnick, expressed relief at the judge’s decision, noting the emotional stress his family is experiencing due to his daughter's condition. Torres Maldonado is currently applying for U.S. permanent residency.

Ofelia Torres was diagnosed in December with metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of soft-tissue cancer, and has been undergoing multiple treatment methods, including chemotherapy and radiation. The stress of her battle with cancer has been compounded by the absence of her father.

Ofelia expressed her eagerness to have her father back home, stating, “I can’t wait to see my dad. We need him to be at home with me and our family.”

Torres Maldonado's partner, Sandibell Hidalgo, and their four-year-old son have also been greatly affected by this situation. Hidalgo thanked the community for its support, including donations made through a GoFundMe campaign aimed at supporting the family during these challenging times.

This case highlights the ongoing impact of stringent immigration policies in the U.S., particularly how they can affect families facing health crises. U.S. District Judge Jeremy Daniel stated that while he sympathized with Torres Maldonado's situation, legal constraints limited his capacity to intervene sooner. As enforcement under 'Operation Midway Blitz' continues to escalate in the Chicago area, Torres Maldonado's case signifies a poignant example of family struggles caught within the immigration system.