Overview
- Immigration Judge Eva S. Saltzman granted bond and ordered Ruben Torres Maldonado released Thursday or Friday after nearly two weeks in custody.
- Saltzman said she saw nothing indicating danger to the community, citing his strong family ties, limited record, and eligibility to seek cancellation of removal based on hardship.
- Torres Maldonado was arrested Oct. 18 in a Niles Home Depot parking lot while his 16-year-old daughter, Ofelia, was briefly home from cancer treatment.
- U.S. District Judge Jeremy Daniel last week required immigration officials to hold the bond hearing after finding the detention unlawful for lack of a chance at release.
- Prosecutors pointed to prior driving citations and alleged noncooperation at arrest, while his attorneys emphasized his two decades in Chicago and role as primary breadwinner; removal proceedings continue if relief is denied.