The arrest of Ruben Torres Maldonado, a Mexican father living in Illinois, has generated outrage and calls for his release from community leaders and civil organizations. The man was arrested by ICE agents while shopping at a Home Depot in suburban Niles, according to local media.

The case has gained notoriety because his 16-year-old daughter, Ofelia, is undergoing treatment for a rare and aggressive type of cancer.

How the arrest occurred

According to information from FOX 32 Chicago, the arrest occurred on Saturday, October 18, when immigration agents intercepted Torres Maldonado in the store's parking lot. Witnesses said that Ruben was removed from his vehicle without a warrant.

After his arrest, the man was transferred to an ICE detention center in Broadview, outside of Chicago, where he remains awaiting an immigration hearing. His family and friends have launched a public campaign to demand his immediate release, arguing that he does not pose a risk to the community and that his detention disrupts his daughter's medical treatment.

Why was he arrested by ICE?

According to statements from the local spokesperson for the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), collected by FOX 32 Chicago, Torres Maldonado was detained due to "previous traffic violations," including driving without a valid license and without insurance. The agency also alleged that the detainee "attempted to elude agents" during the operation.

According to the same media, Ruben Torres Maldonado is an immigrant worker who has lived in the Chicago area since 2003. His family maintains that he has maintained a stable life and is the main economic support of the household.

In addition to the above, her daughter Ofelia was recently diagnosed with a rare metastatic cancer, which has entailed prolonged and expensive treatments that the family has tried to cover with community help.

According to WBEZ Chicago, Torres Maldonado lacks regular immigration status,but he has no criminal record beyond minor infractions. His wife and neighbors describe him as a hard-working man dedicated to his family. Since his arrest, several local associations and political leaders have asked ICE to release him under humanitarian supervision while his daughter's treatment continues.

The future of the case

Torres Maldonado's defense team hopes the immigration judge will consider his family and medical situation and grant him a temporary release. If the request is denied, he could face deportation proceedings that would leave his daughter without one of her primary caregivers.