Attorneys for Ruben Torres Maldonado, a 40-year-old Portage Park man detained by federal immigration agents last Saturday while his 16-year-old daughter, Ofelia, is undergoing cancer treatment, petitioned the court for him to be freed as his deportation case works its way through the system.
Federal Judge Jeremy Daniel heard arguments from Torres’ attorney and a lawyer with the United States attorney’s office but postponed a ruling until Friday. Torres’ lawyers argued for his immediate release due to the hardship his absence is creating for Ofelia; his wife, Sandibell Hidalgo; and their 4-year-old son, Nathan.
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Federal prosecutor Craig Oswald acknowledged the “very serious situation” facing the family. He said there was some discussion about releasing Torres voluntarily, but after discussing with “our client” the government declined in part because Torres declined to cooperate when they were arresting him, Oswald said.
As the lawyers argued their motion, Ofelia Torres sat in a wheelchair next to the front row, her head resting on a knit hat as Hidalgo draped an arm around her daughter’s shoulders.
Aldermen Matt Martin and Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth showed up to show support, as did U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez.
