ICE detains Texas father as son’s health declines: ‘Don’t forget about me’

Maher Tarabishi was arrested at a routine visit despite decades in the US, leaving his son with Pompe disease

A 62-year-old father named Maher Tarabishi visited the ICE field office in Dallas, Texas, on 28 October as he has done each year for 17 years. Tarabishi, originally from Jordan, is in the US on a supervision order. Even though his asylum claim was denied, the US government allowed him to remain in the country because he is the primary caretaker for his son, Wael, who was diagnosed at four years old with a progressive muscle disorder called Pompe disease.

Tarabishi's mandatory annual visits to ICE were never eventful; he'd arrive, an official might ask about Wael's condition, and then he would leave. This time was different.