Immigrant Father Released as Daughter Battles Cancer

Fri Oct 31 2025 20:03:10 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A Chicago man, detained while working at Home Depot, is set to reunite with his daughter, who is undergoing treatment for advanced cancer, following a judge's ruling.

Ruben Torres Maldonado, a 40-year-old immigrant whose 16-year-old daughter is fighting metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, will be released on bond, allowing him to support his family during this critical time. The judge acknowledged the family’s challenging circumstances and the father's lack of criminal history, deciding in favor of his release amidst national scrutiny of immigration practices.

In a poignant turn of events, Ruben Torres Maldonado, a 40-year-old father, is set to be released on bond after his detention sparked a wave of public concern. He was apprehended on October 18 at a Home Depot in the Chicago suburbs, just as his 16-year-old daughter, Ofelia, battles advanced cancer. This ruling was made by Judge Eva S. Saltzman, who recognized the father’s history of diligence and lack of criminal charges amid the family’s health crisis.

Ofelia, diagnosed in December with metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, has been undergoing rigorous chemotherapy and radiation treatment. The family's plight captured the attention of the local community and raised significant awareness about the impact of immigration policies on immigrant families.

Following the judge's decision to grant Torres Maldonado a $2,000 bond, attorney Kalman Resnick expressed relief, describing it as a humane choice that would allow a father to support his child in her time of need. He is currently pursuing U.S. permanent residency while navigating his deportation case.

“I can’t wait to see my dad,” Ofelia remarked, voicing the sentiment many families facing similar hardships endure. She has described Torres Maldonado as a dedicated and hardworking individual who prioritizes his family.

Torres Maldonado’s detention emerged alongside rising tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement, exacerbated by Operations like ‘Midway Blitz’ in the Chicago metropolitan area, which led to increased arrests. This situation has drawn national attention, highlighting deeper issues related to immigration policy and human rights.

U.S. District Judge Jeremy Daniel had previously declared Torres Maldonado’s detention illegal, violating his due process rights, yet noted he could not compel his immediate release, emphasizing the constraints within current immigration laws.

Sharing their gratitude, Torres Maldonado's partner, Sandibell Hidalgo, thanked community members and supporters for their contributions, which included emotional and financial assistance through a GoFundMe campaign. The couple also has a 4-year-old son, adding to the urgency of their situation.