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

A 16-year-old girl recently discharged from a hospital following a battle with Stage 4 cancer is advocating for her father’s release after he was detained by immigration agents. Ofelia Torres is calling for the immediate release of her father, Ruben Torres, who was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) just days after her hospital discharge in Chicago.

According to his attorney, Kalman Resnick, Ruben Torres was apprehended while working at a Home Depot store in Niles. He has lived in the United States since 2003 and has been employed as a painter for the same company for the past 20 years. Resnick stated that Ruben is currently held at the ICE processing facility in Broadview.

Resnick plans to file a request in federal court this week to secure Ruben’s release. He emphasized that Ruben has an “absolutely impeccable record” in the United States and believes they can demonstrate to an immigration judge that he is entitled to remain in the country with his family. The legal strategy involves seeking “cancellation of removal,” which could provide Ruben with a pathway to lawful permanent residence and, eventually, citizenship.

“This is just nothing short of cruelty, pure, simple, engineered cruelty,” Resnick commented, highlighting the broader implications of such detentions. He noted that the situation faced by the Torres family reflects the challenges experienced by many immigrant families across the region and beyond.

Ofelia has made a heartfelt plea to federal authorities, urging them to treat immigrants like her father with “love and respect.” In a video shared publicly, she stated, “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.”

This case has garnered attention, not only for its personal impact but also for its representation of the ongoing struggles faced by immigrant families in the United States. As Ofelia continues her fight against cancer, her family’s situation underscores the urgency of addressing immigration policies that affect vulnerable individuals.

The Torres family’s story is a reminder of the human element in discussions surrounding immigration and the need for compassion in legislative processes.