Full Breakdown
Afghan Asylum Seeker Dies in ICE Custody: A Call for Investigation
3/16/2026, 11:04:06 AM
Incident Overview
Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan immigrant and former special forces soldier who assisted U.S. military operations, died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody less than 24 hours after his arrest in Richardson, Texas. Paktyawal was detained on March 10, 2026, while taking his six children to school. He was reportedly in good health prior to his arrest, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding his death.
Details of the Arrest and Death
Paktyawal was apprehended by ICE agents during a targeted enforcement action. According to reports from Shawn VanDiver, president of the veteran-led advocacy group AfghanEvac, Paktyawal began to feel unwell shortly after his detention. He was taken to Parkland Hospital in Dallas, where he was reported to have died on March 11, 2026. ICE stated that medical staff observed swelling of Paktyawal's tongue during breakfast, leading to multiple attempts at resuscitation, but he was declared dead at 9:10 a.m. the following day. The cause of death remains undetermined, and a preliminary report from the Dallas County Medical Examiner has not yet provided clarity.
Background Context
Paktyawal had worked alongside U.S. Army Special Forces since 2005 and was evacuated from Afghanistan in 2021 as part of the U.S. withdrawal. He was living in Texas with his family while awaiting a decision on his asylum application. His death marks at least the twelfth fatality in ICE custody this year, contributing to a troubling trend; 31 individuals died in ICE detention in 2025, the highest number in two decades. As of early February 2026, ICE held approximately 68,000 individuals in custody.
Advocacy and Calls for Investigation
Paktyawal's death has prompted calls for an independent investigation from various organizations, including AfghanEvac and the Afghan-American Foundation. VanDiver emphasized the need for accountability, 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." The Afghan-American Foundation further asserted that Paktyawal deserved dignity and adequate care, given his service to the U.S. military.
Official Responses
ICE has stated its commitment to ensuring the safety and humane treatment of individuals in custody but has not provided detailed comments regarding Paktyawal's death. The Department of Homeland Security has indicated that it requires more time to respond to inquiries about the incident.
Broader Implications
Paktyawal's death raises significant concerns regarding the treatment of asylum seekers and the conditions within ICE facilities. Following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, over 70,000 Afghans entered the U.S. under the Operation Allies Welcome initiative. However, the current administration has moved to terminate temporary protected status for approximately 14,600 Afghans, potentially exposing them to deportation.
Conclusion
The circumstances surrounding Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal's death in ICE custody highlight critical issues within the U.S. immigration system, particularly regarding the treatment of individuals who have aided American military efforts abroad. As calls for an investigation grow, the case underscores the urgent need for accountability and reform in immigration enforcement practices.
