UPDATE: A federal judge has just ruled that the immigration detention of Ruben Torres Maldonado, a 40-year-old father whose 16-year-old daughter is battling advanced cancer, is illegal. U.S. District Judge Jeremy Daniel ordered a bond hearing by October 31, 2023, amid growing concerns for the family’s well-being.
This urgent ruling comes after Torres was detained by immigration authorities on October 18 at a Home Depot store in suburban Chicago. His daughter, Ofelia Torres, has been undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment for a rare and aggressive form of soft-tissue cancer called metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. The emotional strain on the family is palpable, as they navigate this challenging time.
Judge Daniel stated in his order that while he recognizes the gravity of Torres’ situation, he is constrained by legal statutes. “While sympathetic to the plight the petitioner’s daughter faces due to her health concerns, the court must act within the constraints of the relevant statutes, rules, and precedents,” he noted. However, this ruling is seen as a crucial step forward for Torres, as his attorney, Kalman Resnick, expressed optimism: “We’re pleased that the judge ruled in our favor in determining that ICE is illegally detaining Ruben.”
The family’s ordeal highlights the intersection of immigration enforcement and health crises. Ofelia, who attended the court hearing in a wheelchair after being discharged from the hospital, stated, “I find it so unfair that hardworking immigrant families are being targeted just because they were not born here.” The emotional impact of her father’s detention has been severe, with attorneys reporting that it has disrupted her ongoing treatment.
Torres entered the U.S. in 2003, and he and his partner, Sandibell Hidalgo, are parents to two U.S. citizen children. Despite the family’s legal status, the Department of Homeland Security alleges that Torres has been living in the U.S. illegally and has a record of driving offenses. Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized the ruling, describing it as a “desperate Hail Mary attempt to keep a criminal illegal alien in our country.”
The case has drawn significant attention, especially as the Chicago area is currently facing a crackdown on immigration known as “Operation Midway Blitz.” Elected officials have rallied in support of Torres, emphasizing the need for compassion in immigration enforcement, particularly in cases involving vulnerable children.
As this situation unfolds, many are watching closely to see how the immigration court will respond during the upcoming bond hearing. Advocates are calling for immediate action to prevent further harm to this family already under tremendous stress.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it continues to impact the lives of those involved and spark discussions around immigration policy in the U.S.
