Copyright NBC 5 Chicago
Editor's note: The video in the player above is from a previous report. A Chicago man who earlier this month was detained by immigration authorities in the parking lot of a suburban Home Depot has been ordered released on bond, according to attorneys representing the family. The decision comes days after a federal judge ruled that Immigration and Customs Enforcement illegally detained Ruben Torres Maldonado, who lawyers say has resided in the United States since 2003 and has no criminal history. It also comes as Torres Maldonado's 16-year-old daughter, Ofelia, who has been seen at court hearings, is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for an aggressive and rare form of cancer. Torres Maldonado also has a four-year-old son, attorneys said. “We are gratified that the judge made the humane and common sense decision today to reunite Ruben Torres Maldonado with his family while they are dealing with this challenging health crisis for their child,” attorney Kalman Resnick of the law firm of Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym., Ltd said in a release. “We are committed to continuing to fight to keep this family together in the United States. We are looking forward to representing Mr. Torres Maldonado in applying for permanent residency in the United States through a process called Cancellation of Removal based on the severe hardships his deportation would cause his children.” Torres Maldonado, who was being held at a detention center in Brazil, Indiana, was ordered by an U.S. immigration judge Thursday to be released on bond upon payment of a $2,000 bond, the release said. He is likely to be released later Thursday or Friday. “I can’t wait to see my dad,” Ofelia Torres said in the release. “We need him to be at home with me and our family.” Local The law firm is scheduled to hold a 2 p.m. press conference to release more details about Thursday's bond hearing, and address what's next for the family. NBC Chicago initially reported about Torres Maldonado after Ofelia posted an emotional video online. In the video, Ofeila talked about her battle with Stage 4 cancer and the important role her father has played in her life. Torres Maldonado was detained by federal agents on Oct. 18, shortly after Ofelia returned home from the hospital. Last week, a judge ruled Maldonado's detention violated his rights to due process, and that he be given a prompt bond hearing. Torres Maldonado's hearing was set to take place on or before Oct. 31. During a hearing the day prior, attorneys representing Torres Maldonado asked a judge to immediately release him so his teenage daughter could continue her treatments. Ofelia came to federal court in a wheelchair surrounded by her family. Attorneys have previously said her treatments have been on hold since her father was detained by federal agents. According to lawyers, Torres Maldonado was first brought to the Broadview ICE facility before being transferred to Clay County in Indiana. In a previous statement, the Department of Homeland Security used the word "criminal" to describe Torres Maldonado's history. "He’s been charged multiple times with driving without insurance, driving without a valid license, and speeding. During his arrest he did not comply with instructions from the officers and attempted to flee in his vehicle and backed into a government vehicle," DHS' statement said.
