Afghan Ally Dies in ICE Custody in Texas, Family Seeks Answers

Family members say Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal was 'a strong and healthy man' and they 'still cannot understand how this happened'.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:37am

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A 41-year-old Afghan husband and father of six who served alongside U.S. military forces in Afghanistan died a day after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Richardson, Texas. Paktyawal's family is calling for 'an immediate and transparent investigation' into his death, which occurred while he was in ICE custody.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about the treatment of Afghan refugees and allies who assisted the U.S. military, as well as questions about the circumstances surrounding Paktyawal's detention and death while in ICE custody.

The details

Paktyawal was taken into custody on March 13 during a 'targeted enforcement action' by ICE. While in a processing hold room, he complained of shortness of breath and chest pains and was transported to a hospital, where he was recommended to stay overnight for observation. The next morning, medical staff noticed his tongue had swollen, prompting a medical response, but despite lifesaving efforts, Paktyawal was pronounced dead at 9:10 a.m.

  • Paktyawal was taken into custody on the morning of March 13.
  • On the evening of March 13, Paktyawal complained of shortness of breath and chest pains while in ICE custody.
  • On the morning of March 14, Paktyawal died at 9:10 a.m. while in ICE custody.

The players

Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal

A 41-year-old Afghan husband and father of six who served alongside U.S. military forces in Afghanistan and was detained by ICE in Richardson, Texas, where he died while in custody.

AfghanEvac

A San Diego-based coalition of organizations and individuals that helps relocate and resettle Afghan refugees considered to be at risk.

Shawn VanDiver

The founder and president of AfghanEvac, and a U.S. Navy veteran.

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What they’re saying

“We still cannot understand how this happened.”

— Paktyawal's family

“We're not saying that ICE killed him. But it's awfully curious that a healthy, 41-year-old man went into ICE custody, and 24 hours later he's dead.”

— Shawn VanDiver, Founder and President, AfghanEvac

“Mr. Paktyawal survived our war in Afghanistan and trusted the United States enough to build a life here. His family deserves answers.... The United States made a promise to the Afghans who stood with us. Honoring that promise requires transparency.”

— AfghanEvac

What’s next

AfghanEvac is calling for an immediate and transparent investigation into Paktyawal's death, with oversight from Congress and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's inspector general.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for the U.S. government to ensure the safety and well-being of Afghan refugees and allies who assisted American forces, especially those in ICE custody, and to provide full transparency and accountability when such incidents occur.