Family Says ICE Stopped Disabled US Citizen's Father from Attending Funeral

Maher Tarabishi was denied permission to attend his son Wael's funeral while in ICE detention.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 7:55pm

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The family of Wael Tarabishi, a 30-year-old U.S. citizen who died from Advanced Pompe Disease, says his father Maher Tarabishi was denied permission by ICE to attend Wael's funeral. Maher, a Jordanian native who overstayed a tourist visa in 1994, had been allowed to legally remain in the U.S. to care for his severely disabled son. However, ICE detained Maher in October 2025, and despite pleas from the family, denied him the chance to say goodbye to Wael at his funeral.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tensions between immigration enforcement and family unity, as well as the challenges faced by disabled individuals and their caregivers. It raises questions about ICE's policies and discretion in cases involving humanitarian considerations.

The details

Maher Tarabishi, Wael's father, was by his son's side throughout his battle with Advanced Pompe Disease, providing essential care. Despite overstaying a tourist visa in 1994, Maher was allowed to legally remain in the U.S. to care for Wael through a Supervision Order. However, when Maher presented himself at an ICE office in 2025, he was detained. The family and advocates fought to reunite Maher and Wael, arguing Wael would die without his father's care. Tragically, Wael passed away in January 2026, and the family's desperate attempts to get ICE to allow Maher to attend the funeral were denied.

  • Maher Tarabishi overstayed a tourist visa in the U.S. in 1994.
  • In 2008, Maher was allowed to legally remain in the U.S. through a Supervision Order to care for his son Wael.
  • In October 2025, Maher was detained by ICE.
  • Wael Tarabishi passed away on January 23, 2026.
  • Wael's funeral was held on Thursday, January 26, 2026.

The players

Wael Tarabishi

A 30-year-old U.S. citizen who battled Advanced Pompe Disease and passed away on January 23, 2026.

Maher Tarabishi

Wael's father, a Jordanian native who overstayed a tourist visa in 1994 but was allowed to legally remain in the U.S. to care for his severely disabled son.

Shahd Arnaout

Maher's daughter-in-law, who has been a vocal advocate for the family.

Ali Elhorr

The attorney for Maher Tarabishi at Aspire Immigration Law, PLLC.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that detained Maher Tarabishi and denied him permission to attend his son's funeral.

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What they’re saying

“America speaks of freedom and family values yet it stole Maher from his dying son. A funeral without Maher!!!!! This is a human rights crime.”

— Shahd Arnaout, Maher's daughter-in-law (Instagram)

“We were in communication with multiple ICE officers who had shown the willingness to facilitate Maher's supervised release to attend Wael's burial ... Initial steps in the process had already begun when I received a call from the ICE officer with whom I had been in contact. The officer informed me that his director stepped in and told him that Maher would not be allowed to attend Wael's burial. This was the final decision.”

— Ali Elhorr, Attorney for Maher Tarabishi (Press release)

“We denied that he's part of PLO or any other part of organization. And we did, his lawyer did. He went to the Dallas Field Immigration Center and he spoke to an ICE agent and they respond with the no. He requested to go and at least to say goodbye and to the funeral and both answer was no. So why are they doing that?”

— Shahd Arnaout, Maher's daughter-in-law (ABC News interview)

What’s next

The family and their attorney are expected to continue advocating for Maher Tarabishi's release from ICE detention and the opportunity to attend his son's funeral.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex intersection of immigration enforcement, disability rights, and family unity. It raises questions about ICE's discretion and the need for more compassionate policies that consider humanitarian factors, especially in cases involving U.S. citizens and their caregivers.