Teen with Cancer Fights for Father’s Release from Immigration Custody

A 16-year-old girl, recently discharged from a Chicago hospital after battling Stage 4 cancer, is advocating for her father’s release following his detention by federal immigration agents. Ofelia Torres’s father, Ruben Torres, was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) just days after she returned home.

Ruben Torres, a Mexican citizen who has lived in the United States since 2003, was apprehended at a Home Depot store in Niles, Illinois. His attorney, Kalman Resnick, stated that Ruben has worked for the same employer as a painter for the past 20 years. Resnick emphasized his client’s strong ties to the community, noting, “He has an absolutely impeccable record in the United States.”

Resnick confirmed that Ruben is currently detained at the ICE processing facility in Broadview, Illinois. He plans to petition a federal court later this week to secure Ruben’s release. The attorney believes they can demonstrate to an immigration judge that Ruben is entitled to remain in the country and pursue a path to lawful permanent residency through what is known as “cancellation of removal.”

In a heartfelt video, Ofelia spoke out about her father’s situation, describing him as a “hard-working person who wakes up early in the morning and goes to work without complaint.” She expressed her hope that federal agents will treat immigrants like her father with “love and respect.”

“This is just nothing short of cruelty, pure, simple, engineered cruelty,” Resnick stated, highlighting the broader implications of Ruben’s detention. He noted that many families across the city face similar challenges, underscoring the human impact of immigration enforcement actions.

Ofelia’s plea aims to raise awareness about the struggles faced by immigrant families. “I’m making this video to spread awareness and remind the public that immigrants are humans with families and deserve to be treated with love and respect, just like anyone else,” she said.

As the situation develops, the Torres family’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding immigration issues and the personal toll they can take on families.