Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-02-24

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF OFELIA TORRES HIDALGO

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Context

On 2026-02-24, Representative Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL-3) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF OFELIA TORRES HIDALGO" in the House. The speech addressed immigration and also covered healthcare, taxes.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF OFELIA TORRES HIDALGO

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 2026)] [House] [Page H2264] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF OFELIA TORRES HIDALGO (Mrs. Ramirez of Illinois was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mrs. RAMIREZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and the legacy of Ofelia Torres Hidalgo, a fighter, a leader, a devoted daughter, and an inspiration to Illinois' Third Congressional District. At the tender age of 16 years old, on February 13, 2026, Ofelia's life was cut short by a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Yet, the cancer was not Ofelia's only battle. Last October, her father, Ruben Torres Maldonado, was detained by DHS agents at a local Home Depot. Immediately, Ofelia fought to bring her father home. In no small part because of Ofelia's viral social media call to action, Ruben was finally released. In her final days, from her hospital bed on Zoom, Ofelia fought one more battle: to have her father's order of deportation canceled, ensuring he would no longer live in fear. She passed 3 days later. Madam Speaker, on behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, it is my honor to commend Ofelia Giselle Torres Hidalgo for teaching us the meaning of love, hope, courage, and resolve. We will carry her light with us as we fight for all our loved ones who deserve to be home, who deserve dignity, and who deserve to live without fear. May her memory be a blessing, and may she rest in peace and power. We will continue the fight for all people. Thank you, Ofelia. Honoring Reverend Ciera Bates-Chamberlain Mrs. RAMIREZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an unapologetic faith-rooted leader, Reverend Ciera Bates-Chamberlain. Born and raised in Chicago's South Side, Reverend Bates-Chamberlain is the founder and executive director of Live Free, where she mobilizes Black churches to improve public safety and transform the justice system. Since I first met Reverend Bates-Chamberlain through faith-based advocacy, I have seen her build coalitions and power to realize peace and justice in Chicago and beyond. {time} 1030 Madam Speaker, she helped found the Faith Over Fear Coalition, a multifaith, grassroots table of leaders and organizations across Chicago committed to spiritually rooted organizing that centers dignity, healing, and justice. Through her organizing, people are standing in solidarity, across faiths and communities, to resist the fear that divides us. Madam Speaker, today, on behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, I am proud to commend Reverend Ciera Bates-Chamberlain for her commitment to put her faith into action and to build the power of Black churches and multifaith coalitions to realize a more just and loving world. We thank Reverend Bates-Chamberlain and congratulate her. Honoring Judge Chantelle Porter Mrs. RAMIREZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Judge Chantelle Porter, my constituent and a fighter for justice. Her career is a testament to her brilliance, her leadership, and her commitment to young people. She has served as an assistant public defender in the juvenile division, as a Cook County assistant public guardian, and in private family law practice. At every step, she has pursued justice and centered the needs and dignity of children and families. At 8 years old, she dreamed of becoming a historymaking jurist. In December 2022, she did it when she was appointed to the bench of the 18th Judicial Circuit Court, becoming the first Black woman judge and the first Black circuit judge in DuPage County. Madam Speaker, on behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, I am proud to commend Judge Chantelle Porter for blazing trails, fulfilling her purpose, and making a difference in the lives of children and families across Illinois' Third Congressional District. We thank Judge Porter and congratulate her. It is an honor to represent her. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF OFELIA TORRES HIDALGO Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 2026)] [House] [Page H2264] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF OFELIA TORRES HIDALGO (Mrs. Ramirez of Illinois was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mrs. RAMIREZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and the legacy of Ofelia Torres Hidalgo, a fighter, a leader, a devoted daughter, and an inspiration to Illinois' Third Congressional District. At the tender age of 16 years old, on February 13, 2026, Ofelia's life was cut short by a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Yet, the cancer was not Ofelia's only battle. Last October, her father, Ruben Torres Maldonado, was detained by DHS agents at a local Home Depot. Immediately, Ofelia fought to bring her father home. In no small part because of Ofelia's viral social media call to action, Ruben was finally released. In her final days, from her hospital bed on Zoom, Ofelia fought one more battle: to have her father's order of deportation canceled, ensuring he would no longer live in fear. She passed 3 days later. Madam Speaker, on behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, it is my honor to commend Ofelia Giselle Torres Hidalgo for teaching us the meaning of love, hope, courage, and resolve. We will carry her light with us as we fight for all our loved ones who deserve to be home, who deserve dignity, and who deserve to live without fear. May her memory be a blessing, and may she rest in peace and power. We will continue the fight for all people. Thank you, Ofelia. Honoring Reverend Ciera Bates-Chamberlain Mrs. RAMIREZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an unapologetic faith-rooted leader, Reverend Ciera Bates-Chamberlain. Born and raised in Chicago's South Side, Reverend Bates-Chamberlain is the founder and executive director of Live Free, where she mobilizes Black churches to improve public safety and transform the justice system. Since I first met Reverend Bates-Chamberlain through faith-based advocacy, I have seen her build coalitions and power to realize peace and justice in Chicago and beyond. {time} 1030 Madam Speaker, she helped found the Faith Over Fear Coalition, a multifaith, grassroots table of leaders and organizations across Chicago committed to spiritually rooted organizing that centers dignity, healing, and justice. Through her organizing, people are standing in solidarity, across faiths and communities, to resist the fear that divides us. Madam Speaker, today, on behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, I am proud to commend Reverend Ciera Bates-Chamberlain for her commitment to put her faith into action and to build the power of Black churches and multifaith coalitions to realize a more just and loving world. We thank Reverend Bates-Chamberlain and congratulate her. Honoring Judge Chantelle Porter Mrs. RAMIREZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Judge Chantelle Porter, my constituent and a fighter for justice. Her career is a testament to her brilliance, her leadership, and her commitment to young people. She has served as an assistant public defender in the juvenile division, as a Cook County assistant public guardian, and in private family law practice. At every step, she has pursued justice and centered the needs and dignity of children and families. At 8 years old, she dreamed of becoming a historymaking jurist. In December 2022, she did it when she was appointed to the bench of the 18th Judicial Circuit Court, becoming the first Black woman judge and the first Black circuit judge in DuPage County. Madam Speaker, on behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, I am proud to commend Judge Chantelle Porter for blazing trails, fulfilling her purpose, and making a difference in the lives of children and families across Illinois' Third Congressional District. We thank Judge Porter and congratulate her. It is an honor to represent her. ____________________