Story perspectives

Teen Cancer Victim's Last Wish: Father's Immigration Battle

2/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ofelia Torres, a 16-year-old Chicago girl, died after battling cancer while Ruben Torres Maldonado, an immigration detainee, was detained by immigration agents.
Maldonado was arrested at Home Depot in October during Operation Midway Blitz.
Days before her death, an immigration judge ruled Maldonado could pursue permanent residency because deportation would cause hardship.
Ofelia witnessed the ruling via Zoom.
Her attorney described her as heroic and brave.

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Story summary

Ofelia Torres, a 16-year-old Chicago girl, died after battling cancer while Ruben Torres Maldonado, an immigration detainee, was detained by immigration agents.
Maldonado was arrested at Home Depot in October during Operation Midway Blitz.
Days before her death, an immigration judge ruled Maldonado could pursue permanent residency because deportation would cause hardship.
Ofelia witnessed the ruling via Zoom.
Her attorney described her as heroic and brave.