‘Wael’s last wish’: ICE denies release of Texas man for son’s funeral

Key Concepts

• Rare Genetic Condition: Myel Terabishi’s life-limiting illness.
• Undocumented Immigrant: Mahair Terabishi’s immigration status in the US.
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): The US federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement.
• Detention: The act of holding Mahair Terabishi by ICE.
• Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) Allegation: ICE’s initial claim regarding Mahair Terabishi’s past.
• Criminal Record Dispute: The family’s denial of any criminal convictions against Mahair Terabishi.

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The Case of Myel Terabishi and His Father’s Detention

This report details the tragic case of Myel Terabishi, a 30-year-old man who died after his father, Mahair Terabishi, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Myel was born with a rare genetic condition, and doctors initially predicted he would not survive past the age of 10. His family attributes his extended life to the constant, dedicated care provided by his father, Mahair.

The Father’s Immigration Status and Detention

Mahair Terabishi is an undocumented immigrant who was permitted to remain in the United States solely to provide care for his son. He regularly attended yearly check-ins with immigration officials. During one such routine check-in, he was detained by ICE. The family immediately warned officials that Myel’s health was critically dependent on his father’s presence and care, stating he would likely not survive without him. Despite these pleas, ICE refused to release Mahair.

Myel’s Final Days and Passing

The report highlights the emotional distress of Myel leading up to a scheduled surgery. His sister-in-law, Shad Arinat, recounts his final words: “Promise me that when I woke up, I’ll see my dad.” Arinat promised to try her best, but tragically, Myel died days later, without seeing his father. ICE also denied Mahair permission to attend his son’s funeral.

Conflicting Accounts and Allegations

ICE initially justified Mahair’s detention to other reporters by alleging he was a “self-admitted member of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO).” However, in a subsequent statement to Al Jazeera, an ICE spokesperson changed the justification, claiming he was a “criminal illegal alien from Kuwait” convicted of felony stolen property. The Terabishi family vehemently denies these claims, asserting that Mahair has no criminal record and is, in fact, Jordanian, not Kuwaiti.

Family’s Response and Legal Efforts

The family has launched a fundraising campaign to cover mounting legal fees in an attempt to secure Mahair’s release. They are appealing for compassion and arguing that Myel’s death was a direct result of ICE’s refusal to consider their pleas. Shad Arinat’s statement encapsulates the family’s anguish: “Release him. Release him as soon as possible. Enough is enough.”

The Role of Al Jazeera

Patty Cohane of Al Jazeera reported on the case, highlighting the family’s struggle and the conflicting information provided by ICE. The report emphasizes the human cost of immigration enforcement policies and the potential for devastating consequences when compassionate considerations are disregarded.

Synthesis

The case of Myel and Mahair Terabishi illustrates a deeply troubling situation where strict immigration enforcement seemingly prioritized bureaucratic procedure over a dying man’s final wish and a father’s desperate plea to be with his son. The shifting justifications provided by ICE raise questions about the basis for Mahair’s detention and underscore the family’s insistence on his innocence. The story serves as a stark example of the human impact of immigration policies and the potential for tragic outcomes when compassion is absent.