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Afghan Veteran Dies in ICE Custody, Family Demands Justice

3/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan man who served with U.S. Special Forces, died after ICE detained him in Texas.
His family says he was arrested in front of his children.
Advocacy groups are calling for an independent investigation amid concerns about the Department of Homeland Security's transparency, noting this is the 24th ICE custody death this fiscal year and that Paktyawal leaves behind a wife and six children.

History

Historical Context

In 2019, the U.S. faced scrutiny over 24 deaths in ICE custody, revealing systemic issues in immigration enforcement. Advocacy groups, including the ACLU, highlighted inadequate medical care as a contributing factor. The tragic death of Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal, a detainee with military ties, intensified calls for reform and accountability within the Department of Homeland Security, emphasizing the urgent need for improved detainee treatment.

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Story summary

Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan man who served with U.S. Special Forces, died after ICE detained him in Texas.
His family says he was arrested in front of his children.
Advocacy groups are calling for an independent investigation amid concerns about the Department of Homeland Security's transparency, noting this is the 24th ICE custody death this fiscal year and that Paktyawal leaves behind a wife and six children.

1 / 2