Full Breakdown
Afghan Asylum-Seeker Dies in ICE Custody: Calls for Investigation
3/17/2026, 11:09:11 AM
Incident Overview
Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan immigrant and father of six, died on March 16, 2026, at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas, less than 24 hours after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Paktyawal had previously worked with U.S. Army Special Forces in Afghanistan for over a decade and was living in Richardson, Texas, while his asylum case was pending. He was arrested on March 15 during a targeted enforcement action outside his home as he was dropping his children off at school.
Medical Emergency and Death
Paktyawal began experiencing shortness of breath and chest pains while in an ICE processing hold room. He was transported to Parkland Hospital late on March 15, where he was kept for observation. On the morning of March 16, while eating breakfast, medical staff noted that his tongue had become swollen, prompting emergency medical intervention. Despite multiple lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced dead at 9:10 a.m. The cause of death remains under investigation, and ICE stated that Paktyawal did not report any prior medical history at the time of his arrest.
Background and Context
Paktyawal served alongside U.S. military forces in Afghanistan starting in 2005 and was evacuated to the U.S. in August 2021 following the Taliban's takeover. He was paroled into the U.S. and had a work authorization and Social Security number. His family, which includes six children, expressed disbelief over his sudden death, stating he was a healthy man. The family has been left to cope with the loss and uncertainty regarding their future.
Criticism and Calls for Accountability
The circumstances surrounding Paktyawal's death have drawn significant scrutiny. Advocacy groups, including AfghanEvac, have called for a thorough investigation into his detention and medical care. Shawn VanDiver, president of AfghanEvac, emphasized the need for transparency, stating, "It is not normal for a healthy 41-year-old man to die within a day of being taken into government custody." The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) also urged for a full investigation, highlighting the importance of treating all individuals in custody with dignity and respect.
Official Statements
ICE reported that Paktyawal had prior arrests for fraud related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and theft, but these did not result in convictions. The agency labeled him a "criminal illegal alien," a characterization disputed by AfghanEvac, which stated that the arrests did not lead to criminal charges. ICE has faced criticism for its handling of detainees, with reports indicating that deaths in custody have increased significantly, particularly during the Trump administration.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While ICE claims Paktyawal did not report any medical issues prior to his detention, family members and advocates contest this narrative, asserting that he was healthy before his arrest. Additionally, the lack of a clear cause of death raises concerns about the medical care provided to detainees.
What's Next
The inspector general of the Department of Homeland Security and Congress have been called upon to investigate the circumstances surrounding Paktyawal's death. This incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of immigrants and asylum-seekers in U.S. detention facilities, particularly those who have assisted U.S. military efforts abroad.
Paktyawal's death is part of a troubling trend, with at least 12 individuals reported to have died in ICE custody in 2026 alone, prompting calls for reform and accountability within the agency.
