Chicago Teen Who Fought for Father’s Release Dies After Battle with Cancer

Ofelia Giselle Torres Hidalgo, a 16-year-old Chicago resident who became an advocate for her father’s release from immigration detention while battling a rare form of cancer, died Friday, February 14, 2026, after a prolonged illness, a family spokesperson confirmed. Her death underscores the human impact of immigration policies and the challenges faced by families navigating both medical crises and legal battles.

A Family’s Struggle

Ofelia was diagnosed in December 2024 with stage 4 alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive and rare soft tissue cancer that develops in skeletal muscles [NBC Chicago]. While undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment, her father, Ruben Torres Maldonado, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on October 18, 2025, outside a Home Depot in Niles, Illinois, during “Operation Midway Blitz,” a major immigration enforcement surge in the Chicago area [ABC7 Chicago].

Doctors stated that Ofelia’s treatment was negatively impacted by the stress and disruption caused by her father’s arrest [NBC Chicago]. Ofelia spoke out publicly, sharing her story through a video on social media, appealing for her father’s release and highlighting the plight of immigrant families [NBC Chicago].

Father’s Release and Court Ruling

Following widespread calls for his release, including a video made by Ofelia, Torres Maldonado was released on bond from ICE detention in late October [NBC Chicago]. Three days before Ofelia’s death, an immigration judge ruled that Torres Maldonado was conditionally entitled to “cancellation of removal” due to the hardships his deportation would cause his U.S. Citizen children [ABC7 Chicago]. This ruling provides a pathway to lawful permanent residence and eventual U.S. Citizenship [ABC7 Chicago].

Ofelia was present via Zoom at her father’s hearing to witness the ruling [ABC7 Chicago].

Reactions and Condolences

Delia Ramirez, a U.S. Representative, praised Ofelia’s courage and advocacy, stating she was an inspiration [CNN]. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson similarly expressed his condolences, criticizing the Trump administration’s immigration policies [CNN].

Kalman Resnick, Torres Maldonado’s attorney, described Ofelia as “heroic and brave” and expressed hope that her courage would inspire others [ABC7 Chicago].

Funeral arrangements are private [CNN].