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Afghan Veteran Dies in ICE Custody, Family Demands Investigation

3/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, 41, Afghan immigrant and former special forces soldier, died in ICE custody in Texas after a March 13, 2026 arrest.
He was arrested while dropping his children at school.
His family says he was healthy before detention and is calling for a full investigation.
AfghanEvac and other groups say the death signals a care failure given his service with U.S. forces.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan culminated on August 30, 2021, following the Taliban's rapid takeover, which began in May. Over 122,000 people were evacuated, including Afghan allies like Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, who faced dire consequences post-withdrawal. His death in ICE custody highlights ongoing issues regarding the treatment of immigrants and the urgent need for reforms in U.S. immigration policies.

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Story summary

Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, 41, Afghan immigrant and former special forces soldier, died in ICE custody in Texas after a March 13, 2026 arrest.
He was arrested while dropping his children at school.
His family says he was healthy before detention and is calling for a full investigation.
AfghanEvac and other groups say the death signals a care failure given his service with U.S. forces.

1 / 2