UPDATE: Ruben Torres Maldonado, father of a teenager battling cancer, has exposed shocking conditions at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Broadview, Illinois, describing them as “inhumane.” Speaking exclusively to ABC7 Chicago, Torres detailed his traumatic experience while in DHS custody, which he claims contributed to a sense of helplessness as he watched his American dream slip away.
Torres, who was released just one week ago, expressed deep gratitude for being reunited with his family, particularly his 16-year-old daughter, Ofelia, who is undergoing treatment for stage 4 cancer. “I’m so happy… thanks to the people who support my family in this situation,” he said, highlighting the emotional toll of their separation.
The father was detained by federal agents on October 18, 2023, outside a Home Depot in Niles, shortly after Ofelia returned home from the hospital. A federal judge ruled last month that Torres’ detention was unlawful, demanding a prompt bond hearing. Despite this ruling, DHS maintains it justified the arrest, citing Torres’ previous reckless driving offenses and alleged non-compliance during his arrest.
Torres recounted his harrowing experiences at the Broadview facility, stating, “It’s inhumane because the conditions are bad. There’s a lot of people in a room and there were only two bathrooms.” He described the facility’s showers as barely functional and overcrowded, revealing, “You practically slept on top of garbage.”
The emotional weight of his testimony was palpable, especially for Ofelia, who witnessed her father’s recounting for the first time during a recent federal hearing. “I heard him testify and I just saw his face, his facial expressions,” she said. “He was reliving everything. It’s horrible. No one deserves to be there.”
Following public outcry, a federal judge has demanded DHS implement several changes to improve conditions at the facility, including better hygiene and sleeping arrangements. Torres welcomed this ruling, asserting, “We are not criminals to receive this type of treatment.”
Despite being cleared as a community threat, Torres now faces strict limitations, including wearing an ankle monitor. His ability to work in the paint and construction industry is restricted, which poses challenges for his family, especially in light of Ofelia’s ongoing treatment. “All I could think of was my daughter, my wife, and my family,” he reflected, worried about the burdens his absence would place on them.
Ofelia, who has more treatments scheduled, expressed relief at having her father back. “We spend time together just being lazy, honestly—just watching movies, eating together, just simple things,” she said, emphasizing how difficult the past two weeks have been without him.
With a federal judge now allowing Torres to apply for cancellation of removal, his legal team is working diligently on the process. This ruling is crucial, as it acknowledges the potential burden on his family if he were to be deported.
As the family adjusts to their reunion, Torres remains hopeful for their future, fueled by the support of their community and the ongoing fight for humane treatment within ICE facilities.
