Arlington, Texas, December 31, 2025
The family of Maher Tarabishi, a Jordanian man detained by ICE, is urgently seeking his release to care for his critically ill son, Wael, who suffers from Pompe disease. Wael’s health has worsened since his father’s detention, highlighting the humanitarian issues tied to immigration enforcement. The community is rallying to support the family’s appeal for Tarabishi’s release as they face a challenging situation during this health crisis.
Arlington Family Appeals for Father’s Release Amid Son’s Health Crisis
Arlington, Texas – The family of Maher Tarabishi, a 62-year-old Jordanian national, is urgently seeking his release from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody to care for his critically ill son, Wael, who has been hospitalized twice since his father’s detention.
Tarabishi has called the United States home since 1994 and was detained on October 28 during a routine check-in with ICE in Dallas. He has consistently complied with immigration requirements and had sought asylum. Following his arrest, he was transferred to the Bluebonnet Detention Center in Anson, Texas, about 200 miles west of Dallas.
Wael, 30, suffers from Pompe disease, a rare genetic disorder that manifests in progressive muscle weakness and respiratory complications. His health has severely deteriorated since his father was detained, resulting in hospitalizations for life-threatening sepsis and pneumonia. Family members are advocating for Tarabishi’s release on humanitarian grounds, highlighting the importance of his presence as Wael’s primary caregiver.
Understanding the Circumstances of Tarabishi’s Detention
The circumstances surrounding Tarabishi’s detention can be seen as part of a larger trend of intensified immigration enforcement in Texas under the current administration. In recent months, ICE has stepped up efforts to detain individuals without prior criminal convictions, with Texas leading the nation in these arrests. This shift has sparked debate on the broader implications of such enforcement actions, particularly for families relying on the care and support of primary caregivers like Tarabishi.
The family remains hopeful that public awareness and advocacy will facilitate a swift resolution, allowing for a reunion that would enable Tarabishi to provide essential support to his son during this critical health crisis.
Community Involvement
In response to their situation, community members and friends of the family have mobilized, organizing news conferences and public appeals aimed at garnering attention for Tarabishi’s plight. Their efforts emphasize the humanitarian issues tied to his prolonged detention and the adverse health consequences for his son. This underscores a vital aspect of community resilience and the collective effort to advocate for those in need within the Dallas area.
Current Status and Prospects
As it stands, Maher Tarabishi continues to be held at the Bluebonnet Detention Center in Anson, Texas. The family is actively seeking pathways to secure his release, reinforcing their claims through humanitarian arguments that underscore the urgency of Wael’s medical needs.
Without a response from ICE regarding Tarabishi’s case, the family emphasizes the critical need to bridge the gap between immigration enforcement and compassionate care needs in their appeal for release. Their situation exemplifies the tension between legal frameworks of immigration policy and the human side of such regulations.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Individual Involved | Maher Tarabishi, 62-year-old Jordanian national |
| Reason for Detention | Detained by ICE during routine check-in on October 28, 2025 |
| Location of Detention | Bluebonnet Detention Center, Anson, Texas |
| Family Member Affected | Wael Tarabishi, 30-year-old son with Pompe disease |
| Medical Condition of Wael | Hospitalized twice since father’s detention due to sepsis and pneumonia |
| Family’s Request | Seeking humanitarian release of Maher Tarabishi to care for his son |
| ICE’s Response | No comment provided as of now |
| Broader Context | Increased immigration enforcement under current administration, with Texas leading in arrests of individuals without prior criminal convictions |
FAQ
What is the current status of Maher Tarabishi’s detention?
Maher Tarabishi remains in ICE custody at the Bluebonnet Detention Center in Anson, Texas, following his arrest on October 28 during a routine check-in with ICE in Dallas.
Why is the family seeking Tarabishi’s release?
The family is urgently seeking Tarabishi’s release to care for his critically ill son, Wael, who has been hospitalized twice since his father’s detention. Wael suffers from Pompe disease, a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and respiratory issues.
What has been the response from ICE regarding Tarabishi’s case?
As of now, ICE has not responded to requests for comment regarding Tarabishi’s case. The family continues to advocate for his release, highlighting the humanitarian concerns associated with his prolonged detention and the severe health implications for his son.
How has the community responded to this situation?
Community members and family friends have organized news conferences and public appeals, urging for Tarabishi’s release on humanitarian grounds. They emphasize the critical need for his presence to provide essential care and support to his son during this challenging time.
What is the broader context of Tarabishi’s detention?
Tarabishi’s detention is part of a broader trend of increased immigration enforcement under the current administration. Since January, ICE has intensified efforts to detain individuals without prior criminal convictions, with Texas leading the nation in such arrests. This approach has raised concerns about the impact on families and communities, particularly in cases involving primary caregivers like Tarabishi.
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