A man with severe disabilities has tragically passed away following the detention of his father, who had been his primary caregiver, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in October. The family has made a final emotional plea.
Wael Tarabishi, aged 30, succumbed on January 23 due to complications related to Pompe disease, a rare genetic disorder leading to progressive muscle weakness. Untreated, individuals with this condition typically succumb to respiratory issues. Maher Tarabishi, his father, had been devoted to caring for him until his detention on October 28, 2025.
During a routine annual check-in at the ICE Field office in Dallas, Maher, who arrived in the U.S. from Jordan in 1994, was apprehended and held at the Blubonnet Detention Facility in Anson, about 200 miles west of Dallas, Texas.
Following Maher’s detention, Wael’s health deteriorated significantly, attributed by the family to the extreme stress of the situation. A GoFundMe page established for the Tarabishi family stated, “Wael’s body could not withstand the stress. Maher’s presence in Wael’s life was not just a choice but a necessity for his survival and well-being.”
Wael, who required constant care, was hospitalized on November 20, 2025, with sepsis and pneumonia in both lungs. Despite returning home briefly, he was readmitted in December after a medical procedure mishap, leading to unconsciousness and eventual passing without his father by his side.
Maher’s lawyer, Ali Elhorr, mentioned that Maher’s lawful entry into the U.S. with a visa in 1994 was followed by an asylum denial in 2006, leading to a deportation order. However, Maher was allowed to remain in the country as Wael’s primary caregiver after his official diagnosis.
Despite Maher carrying evidence of Wael’s medical needs to his check-in, he was still detained, causing distress to Wael’s health. The family criticized the authorities, emphasizing Maher’s crucial role in Wael’s life and how his absence impacted Wael’s well-being.
Recent revelations about Maher’s denied asylum case due to legal malpractice have prompted a motion by Elhorr to reopen the case with the U.S. Board of Immigration Appeals. The family is advocating for Maher’s release to attend Wael’s funeral, scheduled for January 29.
Amidst scrutiny of ICE operations, particularly in Minneapolis, recent fatal incidents involving ICE agents have sparked nationwide outrage. The tragic events have heightened tensions in communities and raised concerns over ICE’s enforcement actions.
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