Judge Orders Release Of Cancer Patient's Father Arrested By ICE, Citing No Criminal Record

Ruben Torres Maldonado, a 40-year-old Chicago resident, received a $2,000 bond from Immigration Judge Eva S. Saltzman, allowing him to return home after his ICE arrest. The judge emphasized his lack of criminal history and robust family ties, asserting that there was no evidence he posed a danger to the community. Torres Maldonado has been living in Chicago since 2003 with his partner and their two children, including 16-year-old Ofelia, who recently completed a month of chemotherapy. His attorneys reported that he was detained under overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, prompting a legal challenge.

U. S. District Judge Jeremy Daniel had previously ruled that his detention was unlawful, necessitating the bond hearing. Ofelia expressed her desire for her father to be home as she recuperates from her treatment. Rep.

Delia C. Ramirez criticized federal immigration efforts, labeling them as a “terror force” targeting marginalized families. This case underscores the broader implications of immigration enforcement on vulnerable communities.