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Teen with stage 4 cancer advocates for detained father's release, dies days after judge grants him relief

Feb 16, 2026 · New York, NY, Colombia

Teen with stage 4 cancer advocates for detained father's release, dies days after judge grants him relief

Ofelia Torres, a 16-year-old U.S. citizen and Lake View High School junior from Chicago, died from metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma on February 13, 2026. Her father, Ruben Torres-Maldonado, an undocumented immigrant, was detained by ICE agents at a Home Depot in October 2025 during the Trump administration's 'Operation Midway Blitz' enforcement initiative. While undergoing hospice care for stage 4 cancer, Ofelia posted social media videos calling for her father's release from custody. Three days before her death, an immigration judge ruled that Torres-Maldonado was entitled to cancellation of removal based on the hardship his deportation would cause his U.S. citizen children, granting him protection from deportation and the ability to pursue permanent residence.

Timeline

Feb 13, 2026Ofelia Torres dies from metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma three days after father's immigration hearing
Feb 10, 2026Immigration judge rules Torres-Maldonado entitled to cancellation of removal based on hardship to U.S. citizen children; grants protection from deportation and ability to pursue permanent residence
Oct 1, 2025Ruben Torres-Maldonado detained by ICE agents at Home Depot during Operation Midway Blitz enforcement initiative
Oct 2025Ofelia Torres posts social media videos from hospice care advocating for her father's release

Sources

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