Full Breakdown
Afghan Asylum Seeker Dies in ICE Custody: A Call for Investigation
3/16/2026, 10:02:17 PM
Incident Overview
Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan immigrant and former special forces soldier who worked alongside U.S. military forces, died in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody less than 24 hours after his arrest in Richardson, Texas. Paktyawal was detained on March 13, 2026, while taking his children to school. He was reportedly arrested by federal agents in unmarked vehicles, an event witnessed by his children. Following his arrest, Paktyawal was taken to Parkland Hospital in Dallas, where he died on March 14, 2026, under circumstances that remain unclear.
Background & Context
Paktyawal had been living in the United States since being evacuated from Afghanistan in 2021, following the Taliban's takeover of Kabul. He had a pending asylum case and was the primary provider for his family, which included six children. His death marks at least the 12th fatality in ICE custody this year, raising concerns about the treatment of detainees under the current immigration policies.
Official Statements & Responses
Shawn VanDiver, president of the advocacy group AfghanEvac, called for an immediate and independent investigation into Paktyawal's death, stating, "It is highly unusual for an otherwise healthy 41-year-old man to die less than a day after being taken into government custody." ICE confirmed that Paktyawal had been admitted to the hospital after complaining of shortness of breath and chest pains. However, the agency also noted that he had a criminal history, including arrests for SNAP fraud and theft, which his family disputes, asserting that he was legally in the U.S. and had a pending immigration case.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics, including VanDiver, have expressed distrust in the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) transparency regarding Paktyawal's death. VanDiver emphasized the need for accountability, stating, "Whatever one's views on immigration policy, a man who served alongside U.S. forces for over a decade... deserved to be treated with dignity." The Afghan-American Foundation echoed these sentiments, demanding an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and the treatment of Afghan allies in U.S. custody.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While ICE reported that Paktyawal did not report any prior medical history, family members and advocates have raised concerns about the adequacy of medical care provided during his detention. The Dallas County Medical Examiner has yet to determine the cause of death, contributing to the uncertainty surrounding the incident.
What's Next
The calls for an independent investigation into Paktyawal's death highlight ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of detainees in ICE custody, particularly among Afghan immigrants who have served U.S. interests. As the number of deaths in ICE custody continues to rise, scrutiny of the agency's practices and policies is expected to intensify.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is highly unusual for an otherwise healthy 41-year-old man to die less than a day after being taken into government custody,” — Shawn VanDiver, President of AfghanEvac
- “Nazeer Paktyawal honored his side of that commitment. Our government must now honor its obligation to him — starting with the truth about how he died.” — Afghan-American Foundation Statement
The circumstances surrounding Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal's death raise critical questions about the treatment of asylum seekers and the responsibilities of U.S. immigration authorities.
