Attorneys for a Chicago father detained by federal agents and facing deportation were in federal court today seeking his release as his teen daughter continues to fight Stage 4 cancer.
During a Thursday hearing, attorneys representing Ruben Torres Maldonado asked a judge to immediately release him, so his teenage daughter can continue her treatments.
The judge is giving an attorney for the government until midnight to submit additional documents, with a ruling in the case expected on Friday.
Attorneys for Torres Maldonado say they’re optimistic he’ll be released from a detention center in Brazil, Indiana where he is currently being held.
His daughter Ofelia Torres came to federal court in a wheelchair surrounded by her family. Frail but full of faith, she is advocating for her father’s release, just days after her release from a local hospital.
Attorneys say her treatments have been on hold since her father was detained by federal agents last weekend in Home Depot parking lot in Niles. They are asking for him to be released.
“He has a right to apply for permanent residency through a process called cancellation of removal because he has been here for more than 10 years. His family would suffer exceptional hardship if he is deported and he has been a person of good character,” said Attorney Kalman Resnick.
“The judge took the case under advisement so the government could submit some paperwork and indicating he will rule in the morning whether Mr. Maldonado will come home soon with an immediate order of release or whether there will be a hearing before an immigration judge first,” said Attorney Charlie Wysong.
In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security wrote:
“He’s been charged multiple times with driving without insurance, driving without a valid license, and speeding. During his arrest he did not comply with instructions from the officers and attempted to flee in his vehicle and backed into a government vehicle.”
As a judge mulls Torres Maldonado’s fate, a petition for his had gathered more than 4,300 signatures.
Ofelia’s teacher has started an online fundraiser to help the family with legal fees. As of Thursday afternoon, more than $96,000 has been raised so far.
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