Afghan Who Worked With US Forces Dies in ICE Custody

Advocacy group says Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal assisted American troops in Afghanistan before being detained by ICE.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:50pm

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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. According to an immigrant advocacy group, Paktyawal had 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 the advocacy group claims he had an open asylum application and no criminal convictions.

Why it matters

Paktyawal's death in ICE custody raises concerns about the treatment of immigrants, particularly those who have assisted the U.S. government. The case highlights ongoing debates around immigration enforcement, detention policies, and the experiences of Afghan refugees who fled their country after the U.S. withdrawal in 2021.

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 experiencing shortness of breath and chest pains while in custody, and was transported to the hospital where he later died. The advocacy group AfghanEvac claims Paktyawal was preparing to drive his children to school when he was detained, and that his children watched as he was "surrounded and taken away." AfghanEvac also says Paktyawal had an open asylum application and no criminal convictions, contrary to ICE's description of him.

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

The players

Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal

A 41-year-old Afghan immigrant who died in ICE custody. According to an advocacy group, he had 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 providing information about his background and immigration status.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The U.S. government 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, but his immigration status remains unclear. The circumstances surrounding his detention and death are still under investigation.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the complex and often precarious situations faced by Afghan refugees who assisted U.S. forces, only to later encounter issues with immigration authorities. It underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the treatment of immigrants, particularly those with ties to the U.S. government.