A man with severe disabilities has tragically passed away following the detention of his father by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in October. Wael Tarabishi, 30, succumbed to complications from Pompe disease, a rare genetic disorder causing progressive muscle weakness. His father, Maher Tarabishi, who had been his primary caregiver, was detained during a routine check-in at the Dallas ICE Field office and held at the Blubonnet Detention Facility.
Wael’s health deteriorated rapidly after his father’s detention, leading to his death on January 23. The family attributed his decline to the stress of the situation. A GoFundMe page set up for the Tarabishi family emphasized the crucial role Maher played in Wael’s care and well-being.
Despite Maher’s efforts to provide evidence of Wael’s medical needs during his check-in, he was still detained. Maher’s attorney revealed that Maher’s asylum application had been denied due to fraudulent legal practices. Efforts are now being made to reopen his case with the U.S. Board of Immigration Appeals.
The family refuted claims made by ICE that Maher was linked to a political organization and are seeking his release for Wael’s funeral. These events have fueled existing tensions over ICE’s actions, especially in Minneapolis, where recent fatal incidents involving ICE agents have sparked national outrage.
The tragic death of Wael Tarabishi highlights the challenges faced by immigrant families in the U.S. under current immigration enforcement policies.
