[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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