Story perspectives

ICE Custody Death Sparks Outcry for Investigation

3/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal died in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in Texas less than 24 hours after his arrest.
His family said he was healthy prior to detention.
Paktyawal was arrested while dropping his children off at school.
He later complained of chest pains.
Advocacy groups, including AfghanEvac, are calling for a full investigation, noting a surge in ICE deaths with 24 reported this fiscal year, raising alarms about the treatment of immigrants under the Trump administration's policies.

History

Historical Context

In 2017, the Trump administration's immigration policies led to a 40% increase in arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with 41,000 arrests in just 100 days. The death of Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal in custody raised alarms about detainee treatment, as advocacy groups like AfghanEvac called for accountability amid 24 reported deaths that fiscal year, highlighting the urgent need for reform in immigration enforcement practices.

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Story summary

Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal died in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in Texas less than 24 hours after his arrest.
His family said he was healthy prior to detention.
Paktyawal was arrested while dropping his children off at school.
He later complained of chest pains.
Advocacy groups, including AfghanEvac, are calling for a full investigation, noting a surge in ICE deaths with 24 reported this fiscal year, raising alarms about the treatment of immigrants under the Trump administration's policies.

1 / 2