Disabled son dies after father detained by ICE

Maher Tarabishi was denied release to care for his ill son Wael, who died without his father by his side

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Maher Tarabishi, a 62-year-old Jordanian immigrant, was the primary caregiver for his disabled son Wael, who suffered from a rare muscular disease. When Tarabishi was detained by ICE during a routine check-in, his family pleaded for his release on humanitarian grounds so he could continue caring for Wael. ICE denied the request, and Wael's health rapidly declined without his father's care. Wael died on January 23, and ICE also denied Tarabishi's request to attend his son's funeral.

Why it matters

This case highlights the human impact of the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration, even for those providing critical care for family members. It raises questions about the government's treatment of immigrants, the rights of disabled individuals, and the role of compassion in immigration enforcement.

The details

Tarabishi had been Wael's primary caregiver for years, performing essential tasks like cleaning his feeding tube, administering medication, and suctioning his mouth. After Tarabishi was detained, Wael's family struggled to provide the same level of care, leading to medical emergencies and Wael's eventual death. Tarabishi's attorney and family say he has no criminal record and was not a member of the PLO, as ICE claimed.

  • Tarabishi was arrested during a routine check-in with ICE on October 28.
  • Wael was hospitalized with sepsis and pneumonia on November 20, three weeks after his father's detention.
  • Wael died on January 23.
  • Wael's funeral was held on January 29.

The players

Maher Tarabishi

A 62-year-old Jordanian immigrant who was the primary caregiver for his disabled son Wael.

Wael Tarabishi

Maher's 30-year-old son who suffered from a rare muscular disease and was dependent on his father's care.

Shahd Arnaout

Wael's sister-in-law who watched his health rapidly deteriorate in his father's absence.

Ali Elhorr

The family's attorney who unsuccessfully tried to get ICE to release Tarabishi to attend his son's funeral.

Tricia McLaughlin

Assistant secretary of the Department of Homeland Security who claimed Tarabishi was a "criminal alien and self-admitted member of the Palestine Liberation Organization" without providing evidence.

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What they’re saying

“ICE is responsible for the death of Wael,”

— Shahd Arnaout, Wael's sister-in-law (USA Today)

“He was the person who helped me want to live for tomorrow. And I don't have anything to live for in this life.”

— Wael Tarabishi (Instagram)

“I never saw this kind of bond before – never – between a father and son.”

— Shahd Arnaout, Wael's sister-in-law (USA Today)

What’s next

The family is discussing legal options to try to get Tarabishi released from detention.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the human toll of the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement policies, even for those providing essential care for family members. It raises serious questions about the government's treatment of immigrants and the rights of disabled individuals.