Story perspectives

Afghan Immigrant Dies in ICE Custody, Sparks Outrage

3/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan immigrant and former U.S. military ally, died in ICE custody in Texas less than 24 hours after his arrest.
He was detained while taking his children to school after seeking asylum in the United States.
Paktyawal complained of chest pains and was transported to a hospital where he died.
Advocacy groups such as AfghanEvac are calling for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
This death is at least the 12th in ICE detention this year.

History

Historical Context

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 abolished the national-origin quota system that had restricted immigration since the 1920s, allowing over 1 million Asian immigrants to enter the U.S. by 1970. This shift marked a significant change in U.S. immigration policy, yet ongoing issues, highlighted by the recent death of Afghan immigrant Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal in ICE custody, reveal persistent challenges for asylum seekers.

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Story summary

Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan immigrant and former U.S. military ally, died in ICE custody in Texas less than 24 hours after his arrest.
He was detained while taking his children to school after seeking asylum in the United States.
Paktyawal complained of chest pains and was transported to a hospital where he died.
Advocacy groups such as AfghanEvac are calling for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
This death is at least the 12th in ICE detention this year.

1 / 2