Full Breakdown
Death of Afghan Immigrant in ICE Custody Raises Questions
3/19/2026, 4:15:53 PM
Overview of the Incident
Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan immigrant and father of six, died less than 24 hours after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Richardson, Texas. Paktyawal was arrested on March 13, 2026, while preparing to take his children to school. His family reported that he was surrounded by masked agents who handcuffed him in front of his children. He was pronounced dead at 9:10 a.m. on March 14, 2026, at Parkland Hospital, where he had been taken after complaining of shortness of breath and chest pains.
Background and Context
Paktyawal had worked alongside U.S. Army Special Forces in Afghanistan for over a decade, beginning in 2005. He was evacuated to the U.S. in August 2021 under Operation Allies Refuge, a program designed to assist Afghans who aided U.S. forces during the two-decade military engagement in Afghanistan. At the time of his arrest, Paktyawal was seeking asylum and had valid work authorization. However, ICE stated that his humanitarian parole had expired in August 2025 and cited prior arrests for alleged fraud and theft, although he had not been convicted of any crimes.
Medical Response and Circumstances of Death
According to ICE, Paktyawal began experiencing medical issues shortly after his detention. He was transported to Parkland Hospital, where he was treated for breathing difficulties and kept under observation. The following morning, hospital staff noted that his tongue had swollen while he was eating breakfast, prompting emergency medical intervention. Despite resuscitation efforts, he was declared dead shortly thereafter. The cause of death remains under investigation.
Family and Community Reactions
Paktyawal's family and community members have expressed outrage and confusion over his sudden death. Naseer Paktyawal, Mohammad's brother, emphasized that his brother was a healthy individual and demanded answers regarding the circumstances leading to his death. Advocacy groups, including AfghanEvac, have called for a thorough investigation, highlighting the unusual nature of a healthy 41-year-old dying in custody. Community leader Rahmanullah Zazy noted the grief within the Afghan diaspora in Texas, stating, "They took our community member alive to the detention center, and now we are getting the dead body."
Official Statements and Responses
ICE characterized Paktyawal as a "criminal illegal alien" and defended its medical protocols, asserting that no one in custody is denied access to medical care. However, family members dispute this, claiming that Paktyawal was denied timely medical assistance and that he had reported his symptoms to ICE personnel before being transported to the hospital. The Department of Homeland Security has stated that it has no record of Paktyawal's military service, a claim contested by his family and advocates who provided documentation of his service.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of ICE's handling of the case argue that the agency's focus on Paktyawal's alleged criminal history detracts from the pressing issue of his death in custody. Advocacy groups have raised concerns about the treatment of detainees and the adequacy of medical care provided in detention facilities. The case has drawn attention to broader issues regarding the treatment of Afghan immigrants and asylum seekers in the U.S., particularly those who have served alongside American forces.
What's Next
The circumstances surrounding Paktyawal's death are under investigation by ICE and the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General. Advocacy groups continue to call for transparency and accountability, emphasizing the need for a thorough examination of the medical care standards in immigration detention facilities. The case has sparked discussions about the treatment of Afghan allies in the U.S. and the implications of current immigration policies.
