Full Breakdown
Afghan Immigrant Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal Dies in ICE Custody: Family Seeks Answers
3/20/2026, 8:34:32 AM
Incident Overview: Death in Custody
Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, a 41-year-old Afghan immigrant, died on March 14, 2023, just one day after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Dallas, Texas. His family claims he was in good health prior to his arrest while taking his children to school. Paktiawal's death marks the 12th fatality in ICE custody this year, raising concerns about the treatment of detainees.
Background: Paktiawal’s History and Detention
Paktiawal was evacuated from Afghanistan in August 2021 after serving alongside U.S. forces for a decade. His family asserts that he was a wartime hero, but ICE has stated it has no record of his military service. Following his detention, Paktiawal was taken to Parkland Health hospital after complaining of shortness of breath and chest pains. Despite medical intervention, he was pronounced dead the next morning.
Family's Perspective: Calls for Accountability
Naseer Paktiawal, Mohammad's brother, expressed frustration over the lack of information regarding his brother's death. He recounted their last conversation, where Mohammad indicated he was unwell and needed medical assistance. The family has received no clear answers from ICE about the circumstances surrounding his death. "Nobody's answering to me what happened to my brother," Naseer stated.
Official Statements: ICE and DHS Responses
ICE confirmed that Paktiawal's parole status had expired in August 2025 and noted his previous arrests for alleged fraud and theft. However, the family and advocates argue that these claims do not reflect the full context of his life. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that no detainee is denied access to medical care, and the cause of death is under investigation.
Criticism of ICE Practices
Critics, including U.S. Representative Julie Johnson and the advocacy group #AfghanEvac, have condemned ICE's handling of the situation. Johnson emphasized that Paktiawal was not a violent criminal and questioned why he was targeted. Shawn VanDiver, president of #AfghanEvac, criticized the government's portrayal of Paktiawal, suggesting it was an attempt at damage control rather than fact-finding.
Conflicting Reports: Arrests and Legal Status
While ICE reported Paktiawal's arrests for alleged fraudulent use of food stamps and theft, his family maintains that he was a law-abiding citizen who had applied for asylum, with his case pending. The Dallas County District Attorney's Office confirmed that Paktiawal had not been convicted of any charges at the time of his death.
Conclusion: Ongoing Investigation and Family's Grief
As the investigation into Paktiawal's death continues, his family remains in mourning, grappling with the loss of a father and husband. They demand transparency and accountability from ICE regarding the circumstances that led to his untimely death. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of detainees and the rising number of deaths in ICE custody.
Verbatim Quotes
- "I just want answers for my dad." — Imrain Paktiawal, Son
- "Nobody's answering to me what happened to my brother." — Naseer Paktiawal, Brother
- "He was a wartime hero and he was a soldier, a warrior alongside U.S. Army." — Naseer Paktiawal, Brother
- "Calling a man a criminal without a conviction... looks less like fact-finding and more like damage control." — Shawn VanDiver, President of #AfghanEvac
- "He was not a violent criminal... He was providing for his family and contributing to our economy." — U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson
