Chicago Teen Who Advocated for Father’s Release From ICE Dies After Cancer Battle

Ofelia Giselle Torres Hidalgo, a 16-year-old Chicago student who gained attention for her public appeal for her father’s release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention while battling a rare cancer, has died, according to multiple news reports. NBC News and NBC Chicago reported her death on Friday, February 14, 2026.

A Courageous Fight Against Cancer

Ofelia passed away from Stage 4 alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that affects soft tissue. She was diagnosed in December 2024 and had been undergoing treatment for over a year. NBC Chicago reported that she was a junior at Lake View High School.

Father’s Detention and Public Appeal

The case drew public attention when Ofelia’s father, Ruben Torres Maldonado, was arrested by ICE agents on October 18, 2025, while she was home from the hospital spending time with her family. Following his arrest, Ofelia posted a video on Instagram calling for his release and raising awareness about the challenges faced by families in similar situations. NBC News quoted her from the video, stating, “My dad, like many others, is a hardworking person who wakes up early in the morning and goes to function without complaining, thinking about his family.” She also expressed her frustration, saying, “I find it so unfair that hardworking immigrant families are being targeted just because they were not born here.”

Release on Bond and Legal Developments

Ruben Torres Maldonado was released from ICE detention approximately two weeks later on a $2,000 bond. NBC News reported that a judge considered his daughter’s medical condition during a hearing before granting the release. Just days before Ofelia’s death, on February 12, 2026, an immigration judge ruled that Torres Maldonado was conditionally entitled to receive “cancellation of removal” due to the hardships his deportation would cause his U.S. Citizen children. NBC Washington stated this ruling provides a pathway to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.

Reactions and Remembrance

Kalman Resnick, Torres Maldonado’s attorney, described Ofelia as “heroic and brave” in the face of ICE’s actions. NBC Chicago quoted Resnick saying, “We mourn Ofelia’s passing, and we hope that she will serve as a model for us all for how to be courageous and to fight for what’s right to our last breaths.” Ofelia was present via Zoom at the February 12th hearing.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) previously stated that Torres Maldonado had faced charges related to driving without insurance, a valid license, and speeding, and that he attempted to flee during his arrest, backing into a government vehicle. NBC News reported this information from a previous DHS statement.