Chicago Teen Dies from Rare Cancer Amid Father’s Immigration Detention
A tragic series of events unfolded in Chicago when 16-year-old Ofelia Giselle Torres Hidalgo succumbed to a rare cancer, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. The family announced her passing on Friday after a courageous battle against stage 4 cancer.
Ofelia’s Fight with Cancer
Diagnosed in December 2024, Ofelia faced an aggressive form of soft tissue cancer. She underwent extensive treatment, which included chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Family and friends supported her throughout this challenging journey.
Immigration Issues Surrounding Her Father’s Detention
Ofelia’s plight was complicated by her father’s immigration detention. Ruben Torres Maldonado was taken into custody on October 18, 2022, as part of a large-scale immigration enforcement operation, “Operation Midway Blitz,” that started in early September.
Legal Developments Before Ofelia’s Death
- An immigration judge ruled days before her passing that Torres Maldonado was conditionally eligible for “cancellation of removal.” This ruling took into account the hardship his deportation would inflict on his U.S.-born children.
- This decision opened a potential path for him to pursue lawful permanent residency and eventual U.S. citizenship.
Ofelia attended a virtual hearing last week to support her father’s case. Her attorney, Kalman Resnick, praised her bravery amid her personal struggles.
A Daughter’s Plea for Justice
In a video shared on GoFundMe, Ofelia expressed her frustrations about the treatment of immigrant families. She highlighted the hard work of immigrants who often face unjust scrutiny.
Despite her health challenges, she made an effort to be present for her father’s hearings, even attending one from a wheelchair. Family attorneys emphasized the immense stress she faced, causing disruptions to her ongoing cancer treatment.
Family Background and Current Status
Ruben Torres Maldonado has lived in the U.S. since 2003. He and his partner, Sandibell Hidalgo, have a younger son as well. While the Department of Homeland Security claims he has lived in the U.S. illegally and has a history of driving offenses, the recent legal ruling provided a glimmer of hope for the family.
The passing of Ofelia serves as a poignant reminder of the intersection between health crises and immigration struggles in America. As family and friends mourn, her legacy of courage continues to inspire those advocating for justice.
