Full Breakdown
Afghan Immigrant Dies in ICE Custody: Calls for Investigation
3/19/2026, 3:27:47 PM
Incident Overview
Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan immigrant and former U.S. military ally, died on March 16, 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. Army Special Forces in Afghanistan since 2005, was arrested while taking his children to school. His family reported that he was in good health prior to his detention.
Timeline of Events
- March 13, 2026: Paktyawal was detained by ICE agents while dropping off his children at school.
- March 13, 2026: He began complaining of shortness of breath and chest pains while in ICE custody and was transported to Parkland Hospital in Dallas for treatment.
- March 14, 2026: While eating breakfast at the hospital, medical staff noted that his tongue had swollen. Despite multiple lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced dead at approximately 9:10 a.m.
Background and Context
Paktyawal was evacuated from Afghanistan in August 2021 amid the U.S. withdrawal and the Taliban's return to power. He had been living in the U.S. under temporary humanitarian parole, which was set to expire in August 2025. His family claims he had a pending asylum case at the time of his detention. ICE has stated that Paktyawal had a criminal history, including arrests for alleged SNAP fraud and theft, but his family disputes the characterization of these incidents, asserting he was never convicted.
Official Statements and Responses
ICE described Paktyawal as a "criminal illegal alien" and stated that he did not report any prior medical history upon arrest. However, Shawn VanDiver, president of the advocacy group AfghanEvac, emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Paktyawal's death, stating, “It is not normal for a healthy 41-year-old man to die within a day of being taken into government custody.” The Department of Homeland Security has asserted that all individuals in ICE custody receive proper medical care.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics have raised concerns about the treatment of immigrants in ICE custody, particularly those who have served alongside U.S. forces. Mustafaa Carroll, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations – Texas, called for a full investigation, stating, “Detention does not erase a person's humanity. Every individual in custody must be treated with dignity, safety, and respect.” Additionally, U.S. Representative Julie Johnson questioned the rationale behind Paktyawal's arrest, highlighting his contributions to the U.S. mission in Afghanistan.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding Paktyawal's criminal history. While ICE claims he had been arrested for fraud and theft, his family asserts that these incidents did not lead to convictions. Furthermore, ICE's failure to acknowledge Paktyawal's military service in its statements has drawn criticism from advocacy groups.
What's Next
Calls for investigations into Paktyawal's death have been directed at the Department of Homeland Security and Congress. Advocacy groups like AfghanEvac are pushing for transparency regarding the treatment of Afghan allies in U.S. custody and the medical care provided to detainees.
Conclusion
The death of Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal raises significant concerns about the treatment of immigrants in ICE custody, particularly those who have served the U.S. in military capacities. As investigations proceed, the case highlights the urgent need for accountability and reform within the immigration enforcement system.
