Ofelia Torres was a student at Lakeview High School, doing much of her schoolwork at home over the last year as she battled an aggressive and rare form of stage 4 cancer.
Ofelia's story rose to the spotlight during her father's immigration case that had him briefly detained by DHS back in October, as she continued to speak out for him and many others along the way.
Ruben Torres and his family are now mourning the loss of their 16-year-old daughter Ofelia
The family has spent the last 20 years living in Chicago, raising Ofelia on the Northwest Side. They celebrated Ruben's homecoming at the end of October, after he spent about two weeks in DHS custody in a case that caught national attention and one that Ofelia was often outspoken about.
"You guys are targeting the wrong people," Ofelia said in October. "You are targeting hardworking fathers, mothers, kids. They don't deserve it."
READ MORE | Father of cancer patient says he endured 'inhumane conditions' at Broadview ICE facility: EXCLUSIVE
A family spokesperson shared a statement, saying in part, "Three days before her death, an immigration judge in Chicago ruled that Ofelia's father, Ruben Torres Maldonado, was conditionally entitled to receive 'cancellation of removal' due to the hardships his deportation would cause his U.S. citizen children... providing him with a pathway to lawful permanent residence and eventually U.S. citizenship."
The family's attorney Kalman Resnick also shared a statement, 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's advocacy for immigration rights and affordable health care caught the attention of many local elected officials over the last several months. District 20 State Senator Graciela Guzman has been in touch with the Torres family, as she discussed the legacy the 16-year-old girl leaves behind.
"She had such clarity in that moment," Guzman said. "One of the things she said to me when I was at her high school was, 'even with me being as sick as I am I know I'm supposed to be an advocate. I'm supposed to be using my voice in this moment to advocate for my dad and people like my dad.'"
The family is now making funereal arrangements, and there are still some legal hurdles to go through in the immigration case of Ruben Torres. But there is optimism that he will be able to obtain U.S. citizenship following that cancelation of removal order from an immigration judge this week.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker shared the following statement:
"Ofelia Torres' bravery in the face of injustice was beyond words - her courage became a symbol of strength at a time when even the strongest would have bowed. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. May her memory be a blessing."
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson shared the following statement:
"Today I join Chicagoans across our city in mourning Ofelia Torres-a young woman who fought for her father and her family in the face of a cruel, targeted campaign through which Donald Trump has sought to strip from us the very humanity that defines our families and our communities. Ofelia led a steadfast, dedicated and truly inspiring life. Her courage amidst powerful forces that have been designed to stoke fear, uncertainty, and division shows us who we are at our best-compassionate without condition, unwavering in our comittment to justice, and and brave despite all the odds. Understanding the hardships his deportation would bring to his family, earlier this week, an immigration judge granted Ruben Torres Maldonado a pathway to lawful permanent residence and eventual citizenship here in the U.S. Ofelia was able to celebrate the respite with her family, but tragically she passed yesterday after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
Ofelia's love will endure. The Torres family's story is, unfortunately, all too similar to the terror and trauma which has been forced upon on countless families across Chicago. This indiscriminate, bigoted campaign which has upended the lives of hard-working families who came to Chicago, and other cities across the country, in search for a better life, must come to end. I stand in solidarity with local leaders in every corner of our nation who are pushing back against Trump's assault on our immigrant neighbors and I join Congressional Democrats in demanding immediate ICE reform and an end to Trump's militarized immigration campaign. As long as I am Mayor of Chicago I will do everything in my power to ensure our government mirrors the love which is held deeply within our communities. Everyone belongs in Chicago, nothing will change that."
Chicago Alderman Matt Martin shared the following statement:
"I am heartbroken to share that Ofelia Torres passed away on Friday after battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Just three days before her passing, a judge ruled that her father is conditionally entitled to cancellation of removal, offering him a pathway to remain in the United States permanently.
Ofelia's life was a powerful demonstration of courage, conviction, and deep love for her family and community. She stood bravely for what was right, even in the face of unimaginable challenges, and successfully fought to have her father released. Please keep her family, loved ones, and the Lake View High School community in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. The family's GoFundMe page remains active. In keeping with Ofelia's wishes, any funds not needed by her family will be donated to other families impacted by ICE activity."
U.S. Representative Jesús "Chuy" García shared the following statement:
"I am deeply saddened by the news of Ofelia Torres passing. She was a brave young woman who was put through hell by ICE when her dad was detained. Her family and all those who loved her are in my thoughts."
U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez shared the following statement:
"I am heartbroken to learn that Ofelia, my 16-year-old constituent with cancer whose father was taken from her at a Home Depot, passed away. Even as Ofelia fought cancer, she also fought to bring her father home and ensured that he would no longer have to live in fear in the shadows. She taught us what love, hope, and resolve look like. My condolences to her family and loved ones. Ofelia is an inspiration. May we carry her light with us as we fight for all our loved ones who must be released."