CHICAGO (RTWNews) - Ruben Torres Maldonado, a Chicago man whose daughter is currently receiving treatment for advanced cancer, will be released on a $2,000 bond following a ruling by an immigration judge on Thursday.
The judge took into account Torres Maldonado's clean criminal background in her decision to lift the detention, which had placed the family under strain during difficult health circumstances. Torres Maldonado was detained on October 18 at a Home Depot store in a suburb of Chicago.
We are pleased with the judge's humane decision to allow Ruben to reunite with his family during this challenging time, stated his attorney Kalman Resnick.
16-year-old Ofelia Torres, diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer known as metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, has been undergoing rigorous treatment regimens including chemotherapy and radiation. She expressed her eagerness to see her father again, stating, “I can’t wait for my dad to come back home.”
Torres Maldonado plans to apply for permanent residency in the U.S. while he supports his wife Sandibell Hidalgo, and their 4-year-old son during this challenging phase.
Amid rising tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the Chicago area, the family has received significant support from the community, with donors contributing to a GoFundMe page to assist with their needs during this crisis.
Hidalgo, expressing gratitude to those who have supported them, noted, To every person who has donated to our GoFundMe or provided emotional support, we are eternally grateful.
A U.S. District Judge had recently described Torres Maldonado's detention as illegal and noted it violated his due process rights. However, he stated he could not directly mandate his release.
The Department of Homeland Security claims that Torres Maldonado has lived in the U.S. unlawfully since entering the country in 2003.
