Afghan Veteran Dies After ICE Detention in Texas

Family demands investigation into the 'highly unusual' death of 41-year-old asylum seeker who served with U.S. forces

Mar. 16, 2026 at 12:56pm

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Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan asylum seeker who had served as a special forces soldier alongside U.S. troops, died just 24 hours after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Dallas, Texas. The non-profit organization AfghanEvac is calling for an immediate and transparent investigation into the circumstances of his detention, medical care, and death, stating it is 'highly unusual for an otherwise healthy 41-year-old man to die less than 24 hours after being taken into government custody.'

Why it matters

This case raises serious concerns about the treatment of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers, especially those who have risked their lives to support U.S. military efforts. The death of a seemingly healthy man shortly after being detained by ICE has prompted calls for greater accountability and transparency around the care and medical treatment of individuals in government custody.

The details

Paktyawal was detained by ICE officers in front of his family in Dallas as he was preparing to drive his six children to school. He was then taken into custody, and just 24 hours later, his family was informed that he had died. AfghanEvac, a non-profit organization, has called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his detention, medical care, and death, stating that it is highly unusual for a 41-year-old man to die so suddenly while in government custody.

  • On March 13, Paktyawal was detained by ICE officers in Dallas, Texas.
  • On March 14, Paktyawal's family was informed that he had died.

The players

Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal

A 41-year-old Afghan asylum seeker who had served as a special forces soldier alongside U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

AfghanEvac

A non-profit organization that is calling for an investigation into Paktyawal's death.

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What they’re saying

“The cause of death is unknown. But one fact is clear: it is not normal for a healthy 41-year-old man to die within a day of being taken into government custody.”

— AfghanEvac, Non-profit organization (AfghanEvac statement)

“Mr. Paktyawal survived our war in Afghanistan and trusted the United States enough to rebuild his life here. His family deserves answers. The American public deserves answers. The U.S. servicemembers who fought alongside Afghan partners deserve answers.”

— AfghanEvac, Non-profit organization (AfghanEvac statement)

“Since arriving in America, Nazeer focused on providing for his family. He worked, supported his children, and tried to build a peaceful life after everything our family had been through. The morning he was taken away, he was getting ready to drive his children to school.”

— Paktyawal family (Family statement)

What’s next

AfghanEvac is calling for an immediate and transparent investigation into the circumstances of Paktyawal's detention, medical care, and death, including oversight by the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General and Congress.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in the treatment of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers, especially those who have risked their lives to support U.S. military efforts. The sudden death of a seemingly healthy man in government custody raises serious concerns that must be thoroughly investigated to ensure the dignity and safety of all individuals in the care of U.S. authorities.