Full Breakdown
Afghan Immigrant Dies in ICE Custody: Calls for Investigation
3/19/2026, 10:53:16 AM
Overview of the Incident
Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan immigrant and former military ally of U.S. forces, died on March 14, 2026, just one day after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Richardson, Texas. Paktyawal was arrested while taking his children to school, prompting immediate calls from his family and advocacy groups for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Background and Context
Paktyawal served alongside U.S. Army Special Forces in Afghanistan for nearly a decade before being evacuated to the United States in August 2021 under the Operation Allies Refuge program, which aimed to protect Afghans who assisted U.S. forces during the two-decade war. He had been living in the Dallas area with his wife and six children while his asylum case was pending.
Timeline of Events
- March 13, 2026: Paktyawal was detained by ICE agents outside his home while preparing to drop his children off at school.
- March 13, 2026, Evening: After complaining of shortness of breath and chest pains, he was taken to Parkland Hospital in Dallas.
- March 14, 2026, Morning: While eating breakfast, hospital staff noted that Paktyawal's tongue had swollen. Despite lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced dead at 9:10 a.m.
Official Statements & Responses
ICE stated that Paktyawal did not report any prior medical issues at the time of his arrest and had been arrested previously for alleged SNAP fraud and theft, charges for which he had not been convicted. The agency emphasized that his death is under investigation. Lauren Bis, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, asserted that "no one in ICE custody is denied access to proper medical care."
Criticism & Opposition
Paktyawal's family and advocacy groups, including AfghanEvac, have disputed ICE's characterization of him as a "criminal illegal alien," emphasizing that he was a legal resident with a pending asylum case. His brother, Naseer Paktyawal, described him as a "hero" who served the U.S. and expressed disbelief over the circumstances of his death. U.S. Representative Julie Johnson criticized ICE's actions, questioning why Paktyawal was targeted and calling for a transparent investigation into his death.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While ICE claims Paktyawal did not report any medical history, family members assert he was healthy prior to his arrest. The agency's assertion that he had no record of military service has also been challenged, as AfghanEvac provided documentation indicating his service alongside U.S. forces. The cause of death remains pending from the Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office.
What's Next
Calls for a thorough investigation into Paktyawal's death continue, with advocacy groups demanding accountability from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security. The case has raised broader concerns about the treatment of detainees in ICE custody, especially given the rising number of deaths in recent years.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I just want answers for my dad,” — Imrain Paktiawal, Son
- “My brother was not an illegal criminal alien, whatever it is they are saying,” — Naseer Paktyawal, Brother
- “it is not normal for a healthy 41-year-old man to die within a day of being taken into government custody” — Shawn VanDiver, President of AfghanEvac
- “Mr. Paktyawal supported U.S. forces and deserved dignity and safety, not to die in detention. I am demanding answers from ICE on what happened,” — U.S. Representative Julie Johnson
Paktyawal's death highlights ongoing issues within the U.S. immigration system and the treatment of individuals who have aided American military efforts abroad.
