Afghan Immigrant Dies After Day in ICE Custody

Advocacy group says man worked with U.S. forces in Afghanistan

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:06pm

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Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan immigrant, died last week after being in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody for just one day. An immigrant advocacy group, AfghanEvac, claims Paktyawal worked alongside U.S. forces during the war in Afghanistan for many years before being evacuated to the U.S. in 2021. ICE has described Paktyawal as a "criminal illegal alien" with a "known criminal history," but AfghanEvac says he had an open asylum application and no criminal convictions.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of immigrants, particularly those with ties to the U.S. military, in ICE detention facilities. It also raises questions about transparency and accountability around detainee deaths in custody.

The details

According to ICE, Paktyawal died on March 14 at a hospital in Dallas, Texas, after being arrested the previous day. ICE said he began complaining of shortness of breath and chest pains while in an ICE processing hold room, and was taken to the hospital where his tongue became swollen. After multiple resuscitation efforts, he was pronounced dead. ICE claims Paktyawal had a criminal history, but AfghanEvac says he had no convictions and was preparing to drive his children to school when he was detained.

  • Paktyawal was detained by ICE on March 13, 2026.
  • Paktyawal died on March 14, 2026 at a hospital in Dallas, Texas.

The players

Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal

A 41-year-old Afghan immigrant who died after being in ICE custody for one day. According to an advocacy group, he worked alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan for many years before being evacuated to the U.S. in 2021.

AfghanEvac

An immigrant advocacy group that is speaking on behalf of Paktyawal's family and claims he had an open asylum application and no criminal convictions.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that detained Paktyawal and has described him as a "criminal illegal alien" with a "known criminal history."

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What they’re saying

“For many years, Nazeer worked alongside American forces during the war in Afghanistan. It was dangerous work, but he believed in helping bring stability to his country and protecting the people around him. After Afghanistan fell, the United States helped evacuate our family in 2021, and we came here hoping for safety and a better life.”

— AfghanEvac, Immigrant advocacy group (AfghanEvac statement)

“No one in ICE custody is denied access to proper medical care. It is a longstanding practice to provide comprehensive medical care from the moment an alien enters ICE custody.”

— Lauren Bis, DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary (Statement to ABC News)

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that Paktyawal entered the U.S. in 2021, and his case remains under investigation. It is unclear if any further legal action will be taken regarding his detention and death.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the complex and often opaque nature of the U.S. immigration system, particularly for those with ties to the military who are seeking asylum. It underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability around detainee deaths in ICE custody.