CHICAGO (PulseWire) — A Chicago man, Ruben Torres Maldonado, who has a daughter receiving treatment for advanced cancer, has been ordered released on bond by an immigration judge. This ruling allowed him to return home amidst his daughter's battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer called metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma.
On Thursday, Judge Eva S. Saltzman decided to grant Torres Maldonado a $2,000 bond, highlighting his clean criminal record as a key factor in her decision.
His attorney, Kalman Resnick, expressed relief and thanked the judge for making a humane choice during such a difficult time for the family. Torres Maldonado's anticipated release is seen as a light of hope for his daughter, Ofelia, and their family.
“I can’t wait to see my dad,” Ofelia, 16, said. “We need him to be at home with me and our family.” She described her father as a dedicated worker who puts family first, further emphasizing the emotional toll his detention has had on them.
In a further show of community support, the family initiated a GoFundMe to gather resources during this challenging period. The family's plight gained significant media attention, with many rallying around them, demonstrating the continuing concerns around deportation tactics employed by immigration officials.
As Torres Maldonado prepares to file for U.S. permanent residency, the situation highlights not only the personal struggles of families facing deportation but also the broader implications of immigration policies amidst public health emergencies. The son's birth and Torres Maldonado's long-term residency in the U.S. stir more public sympathy and support.
His partner, Sandibell Hidalgo, also expressed immense gratitude towards those supporting the family and noted their commitment to getting through the ordeal together. The Department of Homeland Security maintains that Torres Maldonado entered the U.S. illegally, with ongoing efforts to address his legal situation.
This case showcases the intersection of immigration law with personal health crises, with many community members contributing to the conversation about humanity in governance.
