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Afghan Veteran Dies in ICE Custody, Sparks Outcry

3/16/2026

42 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal, a former Afghan special forces soldier, died in ICE custody in Texas after arrest on March 13, 2025.
His family said he was detained while dropping his children at school.
He was hospitalized for chest pains and died the next day.
Advocacy group #AfghanEvac demands an independent investigation.
The incident marks at least the 24th death in ICE custody this fiscal year under the Trump administration's immigration policies.

History

Historical Context

In 2019, the U.S. faced scrutiny over immigration policies, with nine reported deaths in ICE custody. Advocacy groups like the ACLU raised alarms about detention conditions affecting over 50,000 individuals monthly. The recent death of Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal, who died shortly after his arrest in 2026, highlights ongoing concerns about accountability and the treatment of detainees within the immigration enforcement system.

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Story summary

Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal, a former Afghan special forces soldier, died in ICE custody in Texas after arrest on March 13, 2025.
His family said he was detained while dropping his children at school.
He was hospitalized for chest pains and died the next day.
Advocacy group #AfghanEvac demands an independent investigation.
The incident marks at least the 24th death in ICE custody this fiscal year under the Trump administration's immigration policies.

1 / 2