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ICE-detained father denied release for son's funeral despite humanitarian pleas

Jan 29, 2026·Location: Anson, TX

Country of origin: Jordan

ICE-detained father denied release for son's funeral despite humanitarian pleas
Photo via CNN

Maher Tarabishi was detained by ICE in October 2024 during a routine check-in at the Dallas Field Office. His son Wael, 30, who has Pompe disease and requires round-the-clock care, was hospitalized twice following his father's arrest. Wael died on January 23, 2026. Despite ICE detention standards allowing for emergency-supervised release to attend funerals and the family's humanitarian requests citing Maher's 14 years of compliance with supervised release requirements, immigration officials denied his request to attend his son's burial.

Timeline

Jan 29, 2026—ICE denied Maher Tarabishi's request for temporary release to attend son's funeral
Jan 23, 2026—Wael Tarabishi died from Pompe disease complications
Oct 2024—Maher Tarabishi detained by ICE during routine check-in at Dallas Field Office; held at Bluebonnet Detention Center in Anson, Texas
Oct 2024—Wael Tarabishi hospitalized following father's arrest; requires round-the-clock care for Pompe disease
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