Afghan Asylum-Seeker Who Aided U.S. Military Dies in ICE Custody

Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, a father of six, died less than 24 hours after being detained by ICE agents.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:20pm

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An Afghan immigrant and father of six, Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, died in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Texas on Saturday, less than 24 hours after being detained while seeking asylum. Paktiawal had previously worked with the U.S. Army Special Forces in Afghanistan for over a decade.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing concerns about the treatment of immigrants and asylum-seekers in U.S. detention facilities, as well as the challenges faced by those who have assisted the U.S. military abroad. Paktiawal's death raises questions about the medical care provided to detainees and the policies surrounding the detention of individuals with military service backgrounds.

The details

Paktiawal was detained by ICE agents on Friday while preparing to take his children to school. He was surrounded by masked men who handcuffed him in front of his family. On Friday, Paktiawal reported experiencing shortness of breath and chest pains while in ICE custody and was transported to the Parkland Hospital emergency room. He was treated and kept under observation. On Saturday, while eating breakfast, Paktiawal's tongue began to swell, and he was put on an epinephrine drip. Later that morning, medical staff administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but their lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful, and he died.

  • Paktiawal was detained by ICE agents on Friday, March 15, 2026.
  • Paktiawal died on Saturday, March 16, 2026, less than 24 hours after being detained.

The players

Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal

A 41-year-old Afghan immigrant and father of six who had worked with the U.S. Army Special Forces in Afghanistan for over a decade.

Naseer Paktiawal

Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal's brother, who stated that he was hired by the U.S. government and worked with U.S. troops for more than a decade.

Rahmanullah Zazy

A family friend of Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal who said he was surrounded by masked men who handcuffed him in front of his children.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency responsible for Paktiawal's detention and custody.

Parkland Hospital

The hospital where Paktiawal was transported and treated for his medical issues while in ICE custody.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges and concerns surrounding the treatment of immigrants and asylum-seekers in U.S. detention facilities, particularly those with military service backgrounds. It raises questions about the medical care provided to detainees and the policies governing the detention of individuals who have assisted the U.S. government abroad.