Afghan Asylum Seeker and U.S. Ally Dies in ICE Custody

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Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan asylum seeker who served alongside U.S. Army Special Forces for over a decade, died within 24 hours of being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Dallas. The non-profit organization AfghanEvac is calling for a transparent investigation by the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General and Congress, stating it is highly unusual for a healthy individual to die so suddenly in government custody.

Why it matters

Paktyawal's death raises concerns about the treatment of immigrants and asylum seekers in ICE detention facilities, especially those with prior service to the U.S. military. The case highlights the complex challenges facing Afghan refugees who assisted American forces during the war and are now seeking asylum.

The details

Paktyawal was detained by ICE officers in Dallas on March 13 while preparing to take his six children to school. He was admitted to Parkland Hospital that night at 11:45 p.m. and pronounced dead the next day at noon. AfghanEvac, a non-profit that assists Afghan refugees, is calling for a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Paktyawal's sudden death, stating it is highly unusual for a healthy 41-year-old to die so quickly in government custody.

• Paktyawal was detained by ICE on March 13.
• Paktyawal was admitted to Parkland Hospital on March 13 at 11:45 p.m.
• Paktyawal was pronounced dead on March 14 at noon.

What they’re saying

What’s next

AfghanEvac is calling for a transparent investigation by the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General and Congress into the circumstances surrounding Paktyawal's death.