A Chicago teenager who fought for her father’s release from immigration custody has died at 16 after a long battle with cancer. Ofelia Torres was diagnosed in late 2024 with an aggressive and rare form of cancer called stage 4 alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. During her treatments, her father, Ruben Torres Maldonado, was detained by immigration authorities in October while at a Home Depot, sparking a widely publicized legal case. The family argued that Torres Maldonado was vital to caring for Ofelia and her four-year-old brother, Nathan. In late October, a judge ruled that his detention was unlawful, and he was released on October 30. Last year, federal authorities carried out Operation Midway Blitz, an intensive immigration enforcement campaign in Chicago. ICE, border patrol, and other federal agencies conducted mass arrests, affecting many immigrant families, including the Torres family. Ofelia’s fight gained public attention as she spoke about her father’s detention while navigating a temporary pause in her cancer treatment. In a video shared online, she said, “I find it so unfair that hardworking immigrant families are being targeted because they were not born here… immigrants are humans with families and deserve to be treated with love and respect, just like anyone else.” Her advocacy drew support from public officials. US Representative Delia Ramirez described Ofelia as “an inspiration” for her courage and dedication to family, adding that she taught “what love, hope, and resolve look like.” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also expressed condolences, criticizing mass deportation policies and calling Ofelia’s life “steadfast, dedicated, and truly inspiring.” The legal case surrounding Torres Maldonado also made headlines. A homeland security spokesperson claimed his detention was justified due to “habitual driving offenses,” calling the family’s efforts “a desperate attempt” to keep him in the US. Despite this, a judge blocked his deportation days before Ofelia passed away, citing the hardship it would cause the family and opening a potential path to permanent residency and citizenship. Ofelia’s courage extended beyond her family. While battling cancer, she completed a school project on the high cost of healthcare in the US. Her work led her teacher to connect her with Illinois state representative Laura Faver Dias, who remembered Ofelia as “smart, funny, inquisitive, engaging,” discussing healthcare policy and Medicaid concerns for families like hers. A GoFundMe campaign launched in October highlighted the family’s struggles, sharing Ofelia’s message with the public. Her story drew national attention to the effects of immigration enforcement on families, particularly those already facing medical hardships. Ofelia’s family attorney said she “was heroic and brave in the face of ICE’s detention and threatened deportation of her father,” adding that her courage should serve as a model for all. Her brief but impactful life highlighted both the human cost of immigration crackdowns and the resilience of a young teen facing life-threatening illness while standing up for her family.