A man with severe disabilities has tragically passed away following the detention of his father, who was his primary caregiver, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement back in October. Wael Tarabishi, 30, succumbed to complications associated with Pompe disease, a rare genetic disorder that leads to progressive muscle weakening and, if left untreated, often results in respiratory issues. His father, Maher Tarabishi, had been devoted to looking after him until his detention on October 28, 2025.
Maher, who had immigrated from Jordan in 1994, was taken into custody during a routine annual check-in at the ICE Field office in Dallas and transferred to the Blubonnet Detention Facility in Anson, approximately 200 miles west of Dallas, Texas. In the weeks following Maher’s detention, Wael’s health deteriorated significantly, which his family attributes to the immense stress of the situation. A GoFundMe page set up for the Tarabishi family highlighted the critical role Maher played in Wael’s life, emphasizing that his presence was vital for Wael’s well-being.
Wael, who required constant care, was hospitalized on November 20, 2025, with sepsis and pneumonia in both lungs. Although he was discharged a week later, he was readmitted in December due to complications with his feeding tube. Following surgery, he slipped into a coma and passed away without Maher, his primary caregiver, by his side.
Maher’s legal representative, Ali Elhorr, disclosed that Maher had lawfully entered the U.S. with a visa, but his asylum application was rejected in 2006, leading to a deportation order. However, Maher was permitted to stay in the country as Wael’s primary caretaker after the official diagnosis of his son’s condition.
Despite Maher’s diligent compliance with ICE check-ins over the years, his recent detention has raised questions about the handling of his case. Shahd Arnaout, Maher’s daughter-in-law, lamented the impact of Maher’s absence on Wael, stressing that Maher was not just a caregiver but also a father and a beloved companion to Wael.
Efforts are underway to reopen Maher’s immigration case following revelations of fraudulent practices in his original asylum application process. The family is pushing for Maher’s humanitarian release to allow him to attend Wael’s funeral and bid a final farewell. The Tarabishi family has refuted allegations against Maher and is seeking justice amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding ICE’s actions in the U.S. and the recent tragic events in Minneapolis.
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