Texas Man Detained by ICE, Unable to Attend Disabled Son’s Funeral

Maher Tarabishi, a Texas man, has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and denied temporary release to attend his son’s funeral. His son, Wael Tarabishi, passed away on January 23 at the age of 30 due to complications from Pompe disease, a rare inherited disorder that causes severe muscle weakness. The family was heartbroken at the decision that prevented Maher from saying his final goodbyes during the funeral in Joshua, Texas.

Background of Wael Tarabishi

Wael suffered for many years from Pompe disease, which left him reliant on his father for his daily care. Maher, who has been in ICE custody since October during a routine check-in, provided vital support in managing Wael’s health. This included administering medication and knowledge of when to act quickly during health crises.

Family’s Plea and ICE’s Decision

The family’s plea to ICE for Maher’s temporary release for Wael’s funeral was met with disappointment. Attorney Ali Elhorr criticized the agency’s choice as “a reflection of the tragic lack of humanity by those in charge.” Family members expressed that this denial deepens their emotional wounds.

• Wael passed away on January 23 after a rapid decline in his health.
• His condition worsened following his father’s detention, leading to life-threatening complications.
• Maher has been in ICE custody since October during a scheduled check-in.

The Medical Struggles

In the months leading to his death, Wael was hospitalized twice with severe infections. His family noted that without Maher’s immediate support, they struggled to understand his medical needs. Wael’s declining health was a source of significant distress for both him and his family.

Legal Challenges and Father’s Background

Maher came to the United States from Kuwait in 1994 and has since been navigating complex immigration challenges. Despite being ordered to leave the country in 2006, he was allowed to stay as Wael’s primary caretaker. Elhorr had recently filed a motion to reopen Maher’s case, claiming that the original attorney handling his asylum application was unlicensed.

Family’s Experience with ICE

While Maher has managed to maintain contact with his family during his detention, the situation has taken an emotional toll. Wael’s sister-in-law, Shahd Arnaout, shared that Wael’s well-being significantly declined without his father’s presence. Maher’s absence has left a void, affecting Wael’s mental health.

The family hopes to see Maher released soon. They are advocating for his case, highlighting his integral role in Wael’s life. This heartbreaking situation underscores the complexities of immigration policies and their emotional impacts on families.