Wael Tarabishi, a 30-year-old disabled man with Pompe disease, died on January 23 after his father and primary caregiver Maher was detained by ICE in October, with the family attributing his death to stress from separation and now requesting Maher’s release to attend the funeral.
Wael Tarabishi, 30, died January 23 from complications of Pompe disease, a rare genetic condition causing progressive muscle weakness, weeks after his father and sole caregiver was detained by immigration authorities. Maher Tarabishi was taken into ICE custody on October 28 during a routine check-in at the Dallas field office, despite bringing documentation of his son’s medical needs and having attended every annual appointment without incident since 2006.
Following the detention, Wael’s health rapidly deteriorated, with family members stating “Wael’s body could no longer handle the stress.” He was hospitalized in November with sepsis and pneumonia, later becoming unconscious after a December surgery. The family wrote: “He passed without his beloved father, primary caregiver and constant life companion, Maher, by his side.” Maher’s attorney has filed a motion to reopen the asylum case, which was allegedly mishandled by a fraudulent attorney, while the family requests his humanitarian release to attend Thursday’s funeral.