Chicago teen who fought for Fathers release dies of cancer

 

 

PP Cherian

Chicago: Ofelia Torres, a 16-year-old who fought in a hospital bed for the release of her father, who was detained by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has died. The girl was being treated for a rare and deadly cancer called 'alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma'.

In October 2025, Ofelia's father, Ruben Torres Maldonado, was arrested by immigration officials. At the time, Ofelia was battling stage four cancer. A video shared by Ofelia on Instagram demanding her father's release and an end to the persecution of immigrant families gained widespread attention.

After two weeks, the court released Ruben on bail after considering her daughter's condition. Ofelia told the world that her hard-working father was the shadow of the family and that he was essential for her treatment.

Three days before Ophelia died, a court overturned her father's deportation order. She passed away after hearing the good news that her father would be granted permanent residency in the United States.

Her lawyer recalled that Ophelia was a model of courage, fighting for justice until her last breath.