Teen Cancer Patient Seeks Release of Detained Father from ICE

A 16-year-old girl recovering from Stage 4 cancer is advocating for her father’s release after he was detained by U.S. immigration agents. Ofelia Torres, who was recently discharged from a Chicago hospital, is calling for the release of her father, Ruben Torres, who has lived in the United States since 2003. He was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while working at a Home Depot store in Niles.

Ofelia, who has been fighting cancer for nearly a year, expressed her distress at her father’s detention. “My dad, like many other fathers, is a hard-working person who wakes up early in the morning and goes to work without complaint,” she remarked. This family separation comes at a particularly challenging time, as Ofelia continues her battle with a serious illness.

Ruben Torres’s attorney, Kalman Resnick, shared that his client is currently held at the ICE processing facility in Broadview, Illinois. Resnick plans to appear in federal court later this week to argue for Ruben’s release. “He has an absolutely impeccable record in the United States, and we believe that we can demonstrate to an immigration judge that he’s entitled to stay in the United States with his family,” Resnick stated. He aims to secure a “cancellation of removal,” which would provide a pathway for permanent residency and eventual citizenship for Ruben.

Resnick condemned the situation as “nothing short of cruelty,” emphasizing the emotional toll on families like the Torres. “What’s happening to Ophelia’s family is what’s happening to so many other families across our city and beyond,” he added.

In her plea for her father’s release, Ofelia called for empathy from federal agents. “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. Her message highlights the human side of immigration issues, urging a compassionate approach to those facing similar circumstances.

As the Torres family navigates this difficult situation, their story reflects broader challenges faced by many immigrant families in the United States. The outcome of Ruben Torres’s case could have significant implications, not only for his family but also for countless others in similar predicaments.