In a significant development on Friday, a federal judge made a new ruling concerning a father who was detained by immigration authorities in Niles while his teenage daughter battles cancer.

The court decided that Ruben Torres Maldonado, who has been in custody since last Saturday, is entitled to an expedited bond hearing. The Department of Homeland Security alleges that Maldonado has been residing in the United States without legal permission for several years.

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Family members have shared that Maldonado’s 16-year-old daughter is currently undergoing cancer treatment, highlighting the urgency and emotional weight of the situation.

The judge declared that Maldonado’s detention is unlawful and mandated that the bond hearing must occur by October 31 at the latest.

A federal judge ruled that Maldonado’s detention is unlawful and he must have a bond hearing on or before Oct. 31.

The case was in court Thursday.

The Department of Homeland Security says the man has a history of driving offenses, including driving without a valid license and speeding.

Assistant CHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued the following statement this week:
“On October 18, U.S. Border Patrol conducted a targeted immigration enforcement operation that resulted in the arrest of Ruben Torres Maldanado, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico.

“His criminal history shows he has a history of habitual driving offenses and has 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. He will remain in ICE custody pending removal.

“This is nothing more than a desperate Hail Mary attempt to keep a criminal illegal alien in our country. The Trump administration is fighting for the rule of law and the American people.”