Afghan national dies in ICE custody after medical emergency

Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal passed away at a Dallas hospital after being detained by ICE for one day.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:19am

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Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, a 41-year-old Afghan national, died on March 14 at Parkland Hospital in Dallas after being in ICE custody for one day. Paktiawal had entered the United States at Washington Dulles International Airport on August 21, 2021 and was arrested by ICE on March 13 during a targeted operation.

Why it matters

The death of an immigrant in ICE custody raises concerns about the treatment and medical care provided to detainees, especially those with potential health issues. This incident highlights the ongoing debate around immigration enforcement policies and the conditions in detention facilities.

The details

Paktiawal was arrested by ICE agents on March 13 and was being held at a detention facility when he experienced a medical emergency. He was transported to Parkland Hospital in Dallas, where he later died on March 14.

  • Paktiawal entered the United States on August 21, 2021.
  • Paktiawal was arrested by ICE on March 13, 2026.
  • Paktiawal died at Parkland Hospital in Dallas on March 14, 2026.

The players

Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal

A 41-year-old Afghan national who died in ICE custody.

ICE

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal law enforcement agency responsible for immigration enforcement.

Parkland Hospital

The hospital in Dallas, Texas where Paktiawal was transported and died.

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The takeaway

This tragic incident raises important questions about the treatment and medical care provided to immigrants in ICE custody, and the need for greater oversight and accountability in the immigration detention system.