Wael’s last wish’: ICE denies release of Texas man for son’s funeral—
The restrictions placed on Maher Tarabishi will haunt him long after his 30-year-old son, Wael, is laid to rest.
For decades, Maher, 62, had cared for his son as he struggled with a rare genetic condition called Pompe disease, which causes muscle weakness and severe respiratory problems.
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The disease required round-the-clock care and dozens of surgeries, which Maher carefully attended to.
ButMaherwasabruptlyseparatedfromWaellastyear,aspartofUnitedStatesPresidentDonaldTrump’simmigrationcrackdown.
LastFriday,whenWaeldrewhisfinalbreath,Maherwasnottheretoholdhim.WhenWael’sfuneralisheldonThursdayatamosqueinArlington,Texas,Maherwillonceagainbeabsent,unabletosayhisfinalgoodbyes.
ThatisbecauseMaherremainsinthecustodyofImmigrationandCustomsEnforcement(ICE),andineachinstance,hisrequestsforatemporaryreleasehavebeendenied.
“Wael’slastwishwas,‘Letmeatleastjustseemyfather.Letmeatleastholdhishand,’”ShahdArnaout,Wael’ssister-in-law
