CHICAGO (Flux Daily) — In a significant ruling, an immigration judge has granted bond to Chicago resident Ruben Torres Maldonado, allowing him to return home to care for his daughter, Ofelia, who is undergoing treatment for a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
The 40-year-old home renovator was detained on October 18 while shopping at a Home Depot in the suburbs. His case attracted substantial media attention as his daughter, 16, is battling metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Following a petition from his attorneys, Judge Eva S. Saltzman ruled for his release on a $2,000 bond, citing his clean criminal history and the pressing family circumstances.
“We are relieved and thankful for the judge’s decision, which prioritizes family unity during a critical health crisis,” said Kalman Resnick, one of Torres Maldonado’s lawyers.
Ofelia expressed her excitement, stating, “I can’t wait to see my dad. We need him to be at home with me and our family.” She described her father as a dedicated worker who always prioritizes his family.
Honduran-born Torres Maldonado is now applying for permanent residency in the United States. His partner, Sandibell Hidalgo, praised the community's support and the outpouring of donations made through a GoFundMe campaign established for the family.
His detention followed increased enforcement actions by federal immigration agents under Operation Midway Blitz, which has led to thousands of arrests in the Chicago area. U.S. District Judge Jeremy Daniel previously described Torres Maldonado’s detention as illegal, highlighting concerns about due process and humanitarian considerations.
The case spotlights the complex interplay between immigration enforcement and family unity, with advocates calling for more humane treatment of families facing health crises.
