Ruben Torres Maldonado, detained by federal immigration agents in Niles while daughter has cancer, released
Share this @internewscast.com

A father, recently taken into custody by federal immigration agents while his daughter battles cancer, has been released, according to a family representative. The incident took place in the suburban areas of Chicago.

Ruben Torres Maldonado had been in detention since October 18.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Initially, he was held at the Broadview detention center but was subsequently transferred to a facility in Indiana, where he spent the past week.

He is expected to reunite with his family in Chicago on Thursday night.

Ruben Torres Maldonado, who was detained by federal immigration agents in Niles while his daughter has cancer, will be released Thurs., attorneys say.

His daughter, who is just 16 years old, is currently receiving cancer treatment, as shared by family members.

Maldonado was apprehended at a Home Depot location in Niles.

Immigration Judge Eva Saltzman set a $2,000 bond Thursday, which his family paid

During the hearing, Judge Saltzman not only ruled for him to be released, she also said he is now eligible to apply for a cancellation of removal based on the hardship his family would endure if he’s removed from the country. If his application is denied, he could still be facing deportation.

His attorney said he will apply.

Despite the Department of Homeland Security claiming Torres-Maldonado has a history of “habitual driving offenses and has been charged multiple times with driving without insurance, driving without a valid license, and speeding,” Judge Saltzman said she had no reason to believe that he posed a risk to the public.

DHS says he’s been living in the U.S. illegally for years.

“I see that you have very strong family ties and community ties in the United States and that you’ve hired an attorney which shows me that you take these proceedings very seriously,” the judge said. “And I see nothing in the record that would indicate to me that you pose a danger to the community.”

Torres Maldonado also noted during the hearing that he has a valid license and insurance.

“If they want to say someone is a criminal alien, they have to come up with evidence and proof and say so specifically. Today the immigration judge put the question to the government directly. So ,you have any reason to think Mr. Torres Maldonado should be detained? And they had nothing,” lawyer Charlie Wysong said.

A judge last week ruled Torres Maldonado had to be given a prompt bond hearing, calling his detention unlawful.

Attorneys said he has been in the U.S. since 2003, and is a father of two U.S. citizen children, including his 16-year-old daughter, Ofelia, who has been battling stage four cancer.

Attorneys mentioned the difficulties that have come up in that treatment over the last 10 days, as she has been separated from her father.

Just this week, ABC’s Stephanie Ramos interviewed the daughter of Torres Maldonado about his case

“He had parking and like traffic tickets from before I was born. I don’t know. I’ve gotten a parking ticket, am I a criminal?” Torres said.

ABC News contributed to this report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Teen dirt biker rounds corner during high-speed chase with police

Video: Florida Teen Charged with Felony After High-Speed Electric Dirt Bike Pursuit

Teen dirt biker leads police on pursuit In Naples, Florida, a 15-year-old…
Chicago flights canceled today: More than 700 flights canceled at O'Hare, Midway airports amid Chicago snow, government shutdown

Over 700 Flights Canceled at Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway Airports Amid Snowstorm and Government Shutdown

CHICAGO — Travelers at Chicago’s bustling airports faced a challenging Monday, grappling…
Government shutdown reaches overseas bases as many feel the strain

Overseas Military Bases Feel the Impact as Government Shutdown Worsens

Thousands of miles from the political gridlock in Washington D.C., the ripple…
No One Shocked: 'Historic' Former Trans Lawmaker Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Exploitation

Former Transgender Lawmaker Admits Guilt in Child Exploitation Case: A Legal and Social Reckoning

The news of Stacie-Marie Laughton’s guilty plea to federal child sexual exploitation…
20 taken to the hospital after bus overturns on a winding road in Southern California

Bus Overturns on Southern California Road, 20 Hospitalized

A bus carrying teenagers back from a camp overturned on a winding…
The Supreme Court is expected to say whether full SNAP food payments can resume

Supreme Court Decision Looms: Will Full SNAP Food Benefits Make a Comeback?

Ultimate decisions regarding the reinstatement of full payments under the SNAP food…
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announces management proposal for 2026 red snapper season

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Unveils Strategic Management Plan for 2026 Red Snapper Season

Governor Ron DeSantis has revealed a proposal that promises a staggering “1850%…
Veterans Day 2025: Where veterans can get freebies and discounts

Veterans Day 2025: Top Freebies and Discounts for Honoring Our Heroes

Numerous dining establishments, such as Applebee’s, Chili’s, and IHOP, are extending complimentary…
To really honor veterans, stop dismantling DEI

Protect DEI Initiatives: A Crucial Step in Honoring Veterans’ Contributions

Every Veterans Day, America takes a moment to acknowledge its military heroes…
'Effort to give back': Jacksonville City Council members join local restaurant to feed hundreds

Jacksonville City Council Collaborates with Local Restaurant to Provide Meals to Hundreds in Community Initiative

Jerome Brown BBQ has extended its services to SNAP beneficiaries and government…
MLB GM meetings open with questions about Pete Alonso

Inside the MLB GM Meetings: Pete Alonso’s Future Sparks Major Conversations

LAS VEGAS — The typically bustling workrooms at the Cosmopolitan of Las…
More than 2,000 flight cancellations as government shutdown continues

Chaos in the Skies: Over 2,000 Flights Canceled Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

Airlines are grappling with a significant reduction in their schedules as the…