Afghan Man Who Worked with U.S. Forces Dies After One Day in ICE Custody

Family and advocates call for independent investigation into 41-year-old's death

Mar. 17, 2026 at 8:05pm

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A 41-year-old Afghan refugee who previously worked alongside U.S. forces died less than a day after being detained by immigration authorities in North Texas. Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal was taken into custody by ICE on March 13 and died the next morning at a local hospital. His family and community leaders are demanding an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Why it matters

Paktyawal's death in ICE custody has raised concerns about the agency's medical protocols and treatment of immigrants, particularly those who previously assisted U.S. military efforts in Afghanistan. His case highlights ongoing debates around immigration enforcement, detention conditions, and the experiences of Afghan refugees who fled the Taliban takeover.

The details

According to ICE, Paktyawal complained of chest pain and shortness of breath at a Dallas field office processing area before being transported to Parkland Hospital, where he later died. The agency said he had no prior medical history, but his family disputes aspects of ICE's account. Before leaving Afghanistan, Paktyawal spent over a decade working with U.S. Army Special Forces starting around 2005.

  • Paktyawal was taken into ICE custody on March 13, 2026.
  • He died the following morning on March 14, 2026.

The players

Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal

A 41-year-old Afghan refugee who previously worked alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that detained Paktyawal and is responsible for his care and treatment while in custody.

AfghanEvac

An advocacy group that has said documents show Paktyawal assisted American troops in eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border.

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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. This includes medical, dental, and mental health services as available, and access to medical appointments and 24-hour emergency care. This is the best healthcare that [sic] many aliens have received in their entire lives.”

— Lauren Bis, DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary

What’s next

Paktyawal's family and advocates are calling for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death in ICE custody.

The takeaway

This tragic case raises serious questions about ICE's medical protocols and treatment of immigrants, particularly those who previously assisted U.S. forces in Afghanistan. It underscores the ongoing challenges and debates around immigration enforcement and the experiences of Afghan refugees.