A man with severe disabilities has tragically died following the arrest of his father, who had been his main caregiver, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in October. The family now makes a heartfelt final appeal.
Wael Tarabishi, aged 30, passed away on January 23 due to complications related to Pompe disease, a rare genetic disorder that leads to progressive muscle weakness. If untreated, individuals with this condition typically succumb to respiratory issues. Maher Tarabishi, Wael’s father, had been diligently looking after his son until everything changed on October 28, 2025.
During a routine annual check-in at the Dallas ICE Field office, Maher, who arrived in the U.S. from Jordan in 1994, was detained and held at the Blubonnet Detention Facility in Anson, around 200 miles west of Dallas, Texas.
Shortly afterward, Wael’s health deteriorated significantly, which his family attributes to the immense stress of the situation. A GoFundMe page created for the Tarabishi family stated, “Wael’s body could not withstand the stress. Maher’s presence in Wael’s life was not just important but crucial for his survival and well-being.”
On November 20, 2025, Wael, who required constant care, was hospitalized with a high fever. Medical professionals diagnosed him with sepsis and pneumonia in both lungs.
After a brief return home, Wael was readmitted in December due to issues with his feeding tube, leading to unconsciousness following a subsequent surgery. The Tarabishis shared on social media, “He passed away without his beloved father, primary caregiver, and constant companion, Maher, beside him.”
Maher’s attorney, Ali Elhorr, mentioned to People magazine that Maher legally entered the U.S. with a visa, but his asylum request was rejected in 2006, resulting in a deportation order.
Following Wael’s diagnosis that year, Maher assumed the role of primary caregiver, allowing him to remain in the U.S. to care for his son.
According to Elhorr, Maher had consistently attended his ICE annual check-ins without delay. Despite presenting evidence of Wael’s medical needs during the last appointment, Maher was still detained.
Maher’s daughter-in-law, Shahd Arnaout, emphasized, “While they may not have physically harmed Wael, they caused him emotional distress by separating him from the one person he needed the most. Maher was not just Wael’s caregiver but his father, best friend, and everything.”
The Tarabishi family recently learned that Maher’s asylum application was rejected due to his attorney’s fraudulent representation. Elhorr has filed a motion with the U.S. Board of Immigration Appeals to reopen Maher’s case.
ICE accused Maher of being affiliated with the Palestine Liberation Organization, which the family vehemently denies. They are now seeking Maher’s humanitarian release so he can attend Wael’s funeral on January 29.
The incident has raised concerns about ICE’s actions in the U.S., particularly in Minneapolis, where recent shootings involving ICE agents have sparked outrage. The events have added to the growing opposition against the administration’s immigration policies.
The tragic death of Wael Tarabishi highlights the devastating impact of immigration enforcement actions on families and individuals with disabilities, prompting calls for compassion and review of immigration policies.