Full Breakdown
Death of Afghan Veteran Nazeer Paktiawal Raises Concerns Over ICE Detention Practices
3/17/2026, 5:00:57 PM
Incident Overview: Detention and Death of Nazeer Paktiawal
On March 12, 2023, 41-year-old Nazeer Paktiawal, an Afghan veteran who served alongside U.S. forces, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Richardson, Texas. After dropping his children off at school, Paktiawal was approached by agents in unmarked SUVs and taken into custody. He had been paroled into the United States for humanitarian reasons after being evacuated on August 30, 2021, following the Taliban's return to power. Paktiawal had a pending asylum case and was working at a local market at the time of his death.
While in custody, Paktiawal reported feeling unwell, experiencing chest pains and shortness of breath. He was transported to Parkland Hospital around midnight, where medical staff observed that his tongue was swollen. Despite life-saving measures, he was pronounced dead at 9:10 a.m. the following morning. His family was notified later that day, but they were not allowed to see his body due to the ongoing investigation.
Background: Paktiawal's Service and Immigration Status
Nazeer Paktiawal served in the Afghan Special Forces for over a decade, working closely with U.S. Army Special Forces. He was granted parole in the U.S. with work authorization and a social security number, allowing him to seek asylum after the Taliban's takeover. His parole was set to expire in August 2025. Despite previous arrests for fraud and theft, Paktiawal was never charged or convicted, according to advocates.
Calls for Investigation
The Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has called for a thorough investigation into Paktiawal's death, emphasizing the need for dignity and respect in the treatment of individuals in custody. CAIR's statement highlighted the importance of transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding his detention and subsequent death. Advocacy group #AfghanEvac also expressed concerns, noting the increased scrutiny and detention of Afghan asylum seekers in recent weeks.
Criticism of ICE Practices
Critics have raised alarms about the treatment of Afghan nationals under the current immigration policies. The termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanis, effective July 14, 2025, has led to the removal of work authorization and deportation protections for many, including Paktiawal. This policy shift has intensified fears among Afghan immigrants, particularly those with prior arrests.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While ICE's press release referred to Paktiawal as a "criminal illegal alien from Afghanistan," advocates contest this characterization, emphasizing his service to the U.S. and lack of convictions. The exact reasons for his detention remain unclear, and the investigation into his death is ongoing.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Council on American-Islamic Relations said in a statement on Sunday, March 15, that anyone taken into custody must be treated with dignity and respect.” — CAIR Texas
- “AfghanEvac said Nazeer was a father of six who had been relocated to the United States after the collapse of the former Afghan government.” — #AfghanEvac
- “However, Shawn VanDiver, founder of #AfghanEvac, states that after Paktiawal’s arrests, he was never charged, let alone convicted.” — Shawn VanDiver, Founder of #AfghanEvac
The death of Nazeer Paktiawal has sparked significant concern regarding the treatment of Afghan veterans and asylum seekers within the U.S. immigration system, highlighting the need for accountability and reform.
