A federal judge has ruled that the detention of a Chicago man whose teenage daughter is battling advanced cancer was unlawful, ordering that he be granted a bond hearing by the end of October. The case has drawn widespread attention and public outcry, highlighting the human cost of immigration enforcement actions.
Ruben Torres Maldonado, a 40-year-old painter and home renovator, was detained earlier this month while his deportation case continues through the system. The ruling stated that his detention violated due process, though the judge noted that he did not have the authority to order immediate release. Instead, the court directed that Torres be granted a bond hearing by October 31.
Torres’ legal team called the ruling a step forward, expressing hope that he will soon be released to care for his 16-year-old daughter, Ofelia, who has been undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment for a rare and aggressive form of soft-tissue cancer known as metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. The family has said her condition has worsened due to the stress of her father’s arrest and detention.
According to court records, Torres entered the United States in 2003 and lives with his partner, Sandibell Hidalgo. They have two children — Ofelia and a 4-year-old son — both of whom are U.S. citizens. Family members have described Torres as a hardworking man who devoted his time to providing for his family through home renovation and painting jobs.
In a video message, Ofelia described her father as a dedicated worker and a loving parent, saying it was unfair that immigrant families like hers were being torn apart. Supporters have launched a fundraising campaign to help the family cope with medical and legal expenses.
The Department of Homeland Security claims Torres has been living in the U.S. illegally and cited past driving-related offenses, including driving without a valid license and insurance. Federal officials have defended his detention as part of a broader immigration enforcement campaign targeting individuals with prior violations.
The case has sparked protests and calls from elected officials urging compassion and discretion in immigration enforcement, especially in cases involving seriously ill family members. With the upcoming bond hearing, Torres’ fate now rests with the immigration court, which will decide whether he can remain free while pursuing permanent residency.
