Afghan Immigrant Dies in ICE Custody, Worked with US Forces

Advocacy group says Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal assisted American troops in Afghanistan before seeking asylum in the US

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:06am

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An Afghan immigrant named Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal died after being in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody for just one day. According to an immigrant advocacy group, Paktyawal had worked alongside US forces during the war in Afghanistan before being evacuated to the US in 2021 and seeking asylum. ICE has described Paktyawal as a "criminal illegal alien" with a "known criminal history", but the advocacy group claims he had no criminal convictions and an open asylum application at the time of his detention.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex and often tragic circumstances facing Afghan immigrants who assisted US forces during the war, many of whom are now seeking asylum in the US. It also raises questions about ICE's treatment of detainees and the transparency around detainee deaths in custody.

The details

Paktyawal, 41, died on March 14 at a hospital in Dallas, Texas, after being detained by ICE the previous day. ICE says 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 had an open asylum application and no criminal convictions, contradicting ICE's description of him as a "criminal illegal alien."

  • Paktyawal was detained by ICE on March 13, 2026.
  • Paktyawal died at a hospital in Dallas 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 US forces in Afghanistan before being evacuated to the US in 2021 and seeking asylum.

AfghanEvac

An immigrant advocacy group that is representing Paktyawal's family and claims he had an open asylum application and no criminal convictions, contradicting ICE's description of him.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The US 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

“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 (ABC News)

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that Paktyawal entered the US 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 challenges faced by Afghan immigrants who assisted US forces during the war, many of whom are now seeking asylum in the US. It also raises concerns about ICE's treatment of detainees and the transparency around detainee deaths in custody.