A tragic story of loss has emerged from Texas, where 30-year-old Wael Tarabishi passed away from a lifelong condition known as Pompe disease. His death followed months of declining health after his father and primary caregiver, Maher, was detained by immigration officials.
Wael suffered from Pompe disease, a serious genetic disorder that causes severe muscle weakness and heart complications. Only his father was fully trained to provide the specialized, 24-hour care Wael required. Without this specific support, the family struggled to manage medical needs, leading to multiple hospitalizations for infections and pneumonia.
Maher Tarabishi was taken into custody during a routine check-in three months ago. Despite the family’s pleas for his temporary release to care for his dying son—or at least attend the funeral—ICE officials denied the requests. This decision stood even though agency guidelines allow for emergency visits to critically ill family members.
The family reports that Wael’s health plummeted due to the stress of his father’s absence. In a statement written before his death, Wael described his father as the person who “keeps me alive.” Family members noted that Wael lost his sense of hope and safety once his father was removed from the home.
Maher had lived in the U.S. since 1994 and was previously allowed to stay due to his son’s medical needs. However, the government now points to his immigration status as grounds for his continued detention. Following the loss of his son, he now faces deportation to Jordan.