CHICAGO, Illinois — A 16-year-old Chicago student who publicly advocated for her father’s release from Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody has died from a rare cancer, her family confirmed Friday.
Ofelia Torres, a junior at Lake View High School, passed away three days after an immigration judge ruled that her father, Ruben Torres Maldonado, qualified for “cancellation of removal,” providing a potential pathway toward lawful permanent residency. The decision came after months of legal proceedings following his arrest in October during a federal immigration enforcement operation.
Torres Maldonado, who has no criminal record according to his attorney, was detained at a Home Depot in suburban Niles. His arrest drew public attention after Ofelia, who had been undergoing chemotherapy for a rare soft tissue cancer, spoke out on social media urging his release.
A judge later granted Torres Maldonado bond. At a hearing earlier this week, an immigration judge determined that deportation would cause significant hardship to his U.S. citizen children.
Family members and supporters described Ofelia as courageous for speaking publicly about both her health battle and her father’s case. Her attorney said she showed “heroic and brave” resolve. The family plans to hold a private funeral.
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