A tragic incident unfolded as a man with severe disabilities passed away following the detention of his father, who had been his primary caregiver, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in October. The heartbreaking demise of Wael Tarabishi, 30, on January 23 was attributed to complications from Pompe disease, a rare genetic disorder leading to progressive muscle weakness and, if untreated, fatal respiratory issues.
Maher Tarabishi, who had been devotedly looking after his son, was apprehended during a routine check-in at the ICE Field office in Dallas. Subsequently detained at the Blubonnet Detention Facility, Maher’s absence had a profound impact on Wael’s health, culminating in a rapid decline attributed to extreme stress.
Despite efforts by the family to highlight Wael’s medical needs during the check-in, Maher’s detention persisted, leading to further health complications for Wael. With around-the-clock care requirements, Wael was hospitalized with sepsis and pneumonia, eventually passing away without his father by his side.
Maher’s legal situation involved a denied asylum application due to fraudulent legal representation, prompting his ongoing detention by ICE. The family is now seeking humanitarian release for Maher to attend Wael’s funeral, amidst growing concerns over ICE’s actions and recent controversial incidents involving ICE agents in Minneapolis.
The series of events has sparked outrage and raised questions about ICE’s operations under the current administration, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement practices.