Full Breakdown
Afghan Man Dies in ICE Custody: A Community in Mourning
3/16/2026, 8:29:57 PM
Incident Overview
Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan man who served alongside U.S. special forces, died on March 14, 2026, less than 24 hours after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Richardson, Texas. Paktyawal was arrested while dropping his children off at school during a targeted enforcement operation. His family reported that he had no known health issues prior to his detention and had been seeking asylum since arriving in the U.S. in August 2021.
Circumstances of Death
Following his arrest, Paktyawal was taken to an ICE facility where he began experiencing shortness of breath and chest pains. He was subsequently transported to Parkland Memorial Hospital, where he received treatment. Despite medical intervention, including an IV drip and breathing treatments, he was pronounced dead the next morning. The Dallas County Medical Examiner has not yet determined the cause of death, marking this as the 12th death of a detainee in ICE custody in 2026.
Background and Context
Paktyawal's death has raised significant concerns within the Afghan diaspora community in Texas, which has seen an influx of over 190,000 Afghans since the Taliban's takeover in August 2021. Advocacy groups, including AfghanEvac, assert that Paktyawal's service to U.S. forces made him vulnerable to Taliban reprisals, necessitating his evacuation. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Paktyawal's humanitarian parole had expired in August 2025 and that he had not disclosed any military service upon entering the U.S.
Community Response and Advocacy
The Afghan community in Texas has expressed grief and outrage over Paktyawal's death. Rahmanullah Zazy, a community leader, emphasized the tragic nature of the incident, stating, “They took our community member alive to the detention center, and now we are getting the dead body.” Shawn VanDiver, president of AfghanEvac, called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Paktyawal's death, highlighting the need for transparency from DHS.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the incident, DHS spokesperson Lauren Bis criticized the Biden-era refugee program, claiming it allowed “thousands of unvetted Afghan nationals” into the U.S. This assertion has been contested, as experts indicate that all Afghans underwent multiple vetting processes. VanDiver refuted DHS's claims, stating, “We just know he’s dead,” and called for accountability regarding the treatment of Afghan refugees.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of ICE and the broader immigration enforcement policies have pointed to Paktyawal's death as indicative of systemic issues within the agency. Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, noted that the agency is on track for the deadliest year in ICE custody in over two decades, with 12 deaths reported in just the first few months of 2026. Advocacy groups argue that the focus on Paktyawal's alleged criminal history detracted from his contributions to U.S. military efforts.
What's Next
The investigation into Paktyawal's death is ongoing, with calls for a thorough review of ICE's practices and the treatment of detainees. The incident has reignited discussions about the treatment of Afghan refugees and the policies governing their asylum claims in the U.S.
