Full Breakdown
Death of Afghan Asylum Seeker in ICE Custody Raises Concerns
3/17/2026, 1:16:17 PM
Incident Overview: Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal's Death
Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan asylum seeker, died on March 14, 2026, less than 24 hours after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Richardson, Texas. Paktyawal, who had worked alongside U.S. military forces in Afghanistan for over a decade, was arrested while dropping his children off at school. His family described the incident as traumatic, with his children witnessing the arrest. Following his detention, Paktyawal complained of shortness of breath and chest pains, leading to his hospitalization at Parkland Hospital, where he was pronounced dead the next morning.
Background: Paktyawal's Military Service and Asylum Status
Paktyawal served as an Afghan special forces soldier beginning in 2005, collaborating with U.S. Army Special Forces in Paktika province. He was evacuated to the U.S. in August 2021 amid the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan and had been living in the Dallas area while awaiting a decision on his asylum application. At the time of his death, Paktyawal held a work authorization and a valid Social Security number, according to the advocacy group AfghanEvac.
Official Statements and Responses
ICE characterized Paktyawal as a "criminal illegal alien," citing prior arrests for alleged fraud involving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and theft. However, advocacy groups, including AfghanEvac, have contested this characterization, emphasizing that he had not been convicted of any crimes. Shawn VanDiver, president of AfghanEvac, stated, "It is not normal for an otherwise healthy, 41-year-old man to die within 24 hours of being brought into custody," calling for a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Paktyawal's death.
Community Reaction and Advocacy Calls
The Afghan community in Texas has expressed fear and outrage following Paktyawal's death. Rahmanullah Zazy, a community leader, noted that many Afghans feel less safe in the U.S. than they did in Afghanistan. Advocacy groups are demanding transparency and accountability from ICE, with calls for an independent investigation into the medical care Paktyawal received while in custody. The American Immigration Council highlighted that deaths in ICE custody have surged, with Paktyawal's case marking at least the 12th death this year alone.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While ICE reported that Paktyawal did not disclose any prior medical history at the time of his arrest, family members and advocates have disputed this claim, asserting that he was a healthy individual prior to his detention. The exact cause of death remains undetermined, pending an autopsy by the Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office. Additionally, ICE's assertion of Paktyawal's criminal history has been challenged, as records indicate he was never convicted of the alleged offenses.
Conclusion: Implications for Afghan Asylum Seekers
Paktyawal's death has raised significant concerns regarding the treatment of asylum seekers and refugees in the U.S., particularly those who have served alongside U.S. forces. Advocacy groups argue that the U.S. government has a moral obligation to protect individuals like Paktyawal, who risked their lives to support American military efforts. As investigations continue, the case underscores the urgent need for reforms in immigration enforcement and the treatment of detainees in ICE custody.
