ICE Blocks Father From Attending Disabled Son’s Funeral, Family Says

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has refused to allow a detained father to attend his disabled son’s funeral.

Maher Tarabishi, 62, had been his son Wael’s primary caregiver before he was detained by ICE during a scheduled check-in in Dallas on October 28, 2025.

Wael, 30, who had advanced Pompe disease, died of complications on Friday, January 23, after spending nearly one month in the ICU unit.

ICE is refusing to allow Maher Tarabishi to attend his son’s funeral

Father comforting disabled son in bed with medical equipment nearby, highlighting ICE blocking funeral attendance.

Image credits: Free Maher Tarabishi

The Tarabishi family said that he was desperate to see his father, described as his best friend, and linked Wael’s rapid deterioration to his detainment.

“After a long and hard battle with Advanced Pompe Disease, and in light of months of suffering due to the kidnapping of his father by ICE, Wael’s body could no longer handle the stress,” the Tarabishi family said in a statement on social media.

“We have said before that Maher’s daily presence in Wael’s life was not optional; rather, it was essential to his survival and well-being.”

The family also claimed that Wael’s last words were, “Let me see my father before it’s too late. Let me hold his hand. Let me look at him one last time. Please.”

Father and disabled son in formal attire at an event, highlighting ICE blocking father from attending son's funeral.

Image credits: Free Maher Tarabishi

Tarabishi, who came to the U.S. from Jordan in 1994, is currently being held at Bluebonnet Detention Center in Texas.

Homeland Security has claimed that Tarabishi is a member of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which is designated as a terrorist group by the U.S.

His family has denied that he is linked to any terrorist organization and says that he has always complied with ICE conditions and never committed a crime.

Tarabishi’s attorney, Ali Elhor, said that he entered the U.S. lawfully.

Father and disabled son outdoors, with father wearing a cap and holding his son close, related to ICE blocking attendance.

Image credits: Free Maher Tarabishi

After his asylum application was initially denied in 2006, he was granted permission to stay and care for Wael full-time, Elhor said.

However, following Wael’s passing, Tarabishi’s request for a humanitarian release was denied.

“We are profoundly disappointed with ICE’s decision to deny Maher Tarabishi the opportunity to say his final goodbye to his beloved son, Wael,” Elhor said in a statement.

“Maher spent the last thirty years of his life caring for Wael as only he could while complying with every requirement set by ICE.

“In return, Maher was forced by ICE to watch Wael, the person he dedicated his life to, fall ill in his absence, spend over a month in the ICU, and tragically pass without his father by his side.”

Tarabishi was Wael’s full-time caregiver until he was detained

Father and disabled son at home, highlighting ICE blocking father from attending disabled son’s funeral, family says.

Image credits: Free Maher Tarabishi

“ICE’s refusal to allow Maher’s release to provide the specialized care Wael needed was the decision that ultimately led to Wael’s passing.

“Today’s decision to keep him from saying goodbye is a reflection of the tragic lack of humanity by those in charge.”

Elhor claimed that ICE officers had initially shown willingness to facilitate Tarabishi’s supervised release to attend Wael’s burial.

He said that logistics, such as Tarabishi’s transfer to a closer detention center, had already been discussed, and initial steps to facilitate his release had been taken.

Father and disabled son together in a room, highlighting ICE blocks and family struggles related to funeral attendance.

However, Elhor claimed, a director stepped in and refused to allow the plan to move ahead, informing staff that Tarabishi would not be granted leave to attend the burial.

“Maher was denied this basic request even in light of ICE’s understanding of Wael’s story in life, the devastating circumstances of his passing, and the fact that Maher has a viable legal claim to fight for his right to be in the United States,” Elhor said.

The funeral is expected to take place on Thursday, January 29.

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