Chicago Man's Daughter Dies of Cancer After His Detention

Advocates say the case highlights the human toll of immigration enforcement actions.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A Chicago teenager who had advocated for her father's release after immigration agents detained him last fall in a deportation case has died of cancer. The girl's death has renewed calls for more humane immigration policies that consider the impact on families.

Why it matters

This case illustrates the broader human toll that immigration enforcement actions can have on families, especially vulnerable members like children. It has sparked renewed debate over the need for more compassionate immigration policies that account for the wellbeing of all those affected.

The details

The 16-year-old girl, whose name was not released, had been battling cancer for several months. Her father was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in a raid last October. The girl had pleaded for her father's release, arguing that his deportation would leave her family devastated. Despite the family's pleas, the father remained in custody.

  • The girl's father was detained by ICE agents in a raid last October.
  • The girl passed away from cancer on February 15, 2026.

The players

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws in the United States.

The Disability Commission

A local government agency in New Haven, Connecticut that proposed providing an accessible golf cart to reach the summit of East Rock Park.

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The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for immigration policies that consider the wellbeing of families and avoid causing undue harm, especially to children and other vulnerable individuals caught in the crosshairs of enforcement actions.