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Afghan Immigrant Dies in ICE Custody, Family Demands Investigation

3/16/2026

44 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, a 41-year-old Afghan immigrant, died in ICE custody in Texas within 24 hours of his arrest on March 13, 2026, while dropping his children off at school.
He was transported to Parkland Memorial Hospital due to breathing difficulties.
AfghanEvac has called for an investigation into his death.
His family disputes ICE's claims about his criminal history and notes he had a pending immigration case.

History

Historical Context

The 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan initiated a significant refugee crisis, displacing over 6 million Afghans by the late 1980s, primarily to Pakistan and Iran. This mass exodus stemmed from the Saur Revolution and subsequent conflicts, highlighting ongoing struggles for Afghan immigrants today, as exemplified by the tragic death of Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal in ICE custody, underscoring urgent immigration reform needs.

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Story summary

Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, a 41-year-old Afghan immigrant, died in ICE custody in Texas within 24 hours of his arrest on March 13, 2026, while dropping his children off at school.
He was transported to Parkland Memorial Hospital due to breathing difficulties.
AfghanEvac has called for an investigation into his death.
His family disputes ICE's claims about his criminal history and notes he had a pending immigration case.

1 / 2