Yet unexpectedly, Maher Tarabishi found himself in danger of being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. That only became clearer when he came to his routine checkup on October 28, after having lived in the US for 30 years. Tarabishi’s continued detention weighs heavy on his son Wael. Now, he’s in a different kind of battle, one against a progressive muscle disorder known as Pompe disease. Wael, age 30, says the blockade has hurt his health. He has an immediate need for specialized medical attention, and his father is playing the role of his primary caretaker and advocate.
In fact, for the last 17 years, Maher Tarabishi has quietly gone to his required annual immigration check-ins without any issue. This time, though, when he made his usual visit to the ICE field office in Dallas, Texas, he got a very different response. On that day, he encountered the surprise and highly inappropriate detention. They then drove him nearly three hours away to a facility in Anson, Texas, far from his family home. This abrupt move has added to Wael’s despair as he continues to process the change in his health status.
When Wael was four years old, he was diagnosed with Pompe disease. This degenerative disease eventually weakens craniofacial muscles and affects essential bodily functions. He’s had to be hospitalized several times in recent weeks because of the nasty complications of severe infections in his lungs and blood. Tragically, Wael’s heart stopped beating just recently, highlighting the immediacy of his medical needs.
“Please, don’t abandon me!” begged Maher Tarabishi. I’m dreading being left isolated now that my son is in this health emergency. The educational and emotional toll of this separation is deeply traumatic. With Maher gone, Wael now has to learn how to cope without the support he’s depended on for so long.
Wael’s family has spoken out about their fear for the impact that Maher’s detention will have on Wael’s mental and emotional health. With access to my father’s care, living is worth it to me again, Wael tosharikat. His words expressed the profound hopelessness that has gripped him ever since his dad was ripped away. Maher Tarabishi’s absence is a loss that extends beyond a missing presence. It slices through the emotional support that Wael so sorely needs in his ongoing fight against this disease.
“My dad came to this country decades ago and never committed a crime in his life,” Wael said passionately. In response, he noted that Maher has always been diligent under immigration laws and requirements. Maher shows up to every hearing on time and fulfills all of his court requirements. Secondly, he has never been a member of any terrorist group. He has never broken the law, he has never evaded his taxes,” Wael further stated.
As a family spokesperson, Arnaout emphasized the tragic irony behind Maher’s detention. It has of course happened at the same time that Wael’s health has been critically failing. Arnaout remembered the physician’s blunt forecast: “You’re not going to live beyond five.” This statement captures the tragic tenor of prognosis expectations that have surrounded Wael from the very beginning, owing to Pompe disease.
In light of these distressing circumstances, Arnaout expressed an urgent plea: “I want this son to be returned with his father today, before tomorrow.” The family’s unfortunate story is a reminder of wider issues facing immigrant families and the current state of immigration policies in our country.
Maher Tarabishi, who has been living in the country for several decades. His quick detention calls into question the fairness and consistency of immigration enforcement practices. Advocates argue that individuals like Maher, who have dedicated their lives to contributing positively to society, should not be subjected to such drastic actions.
With his father unable to provide the necessary care, Wael’s health only worsens. We’re all cautiously optimistic that they’ll reach an agreement soon and be reunited with their family. What that escalating emotional pain causes is both a warning and a heartbreaking testament to the human narratives behind boogeyman-rearing immigration data and policy.