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

Relatives and advocates call for independent investigation into 41-year-old's death after less than a day in detention.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 4:05pm

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A 41-year-old Afghan refugee who previously worked alongside U.S. forces has died less than a day after being detained by immigration authorities in North Texas. Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal's family and community leaders are demanding an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Why it matters

Paktyawal's case has raised concerns about the treatment of immigrants in ICE custody, particularly those who have assisted the U.S. government. His death comes amid ongoing scrutiny of ICE's medical protocols and the agency's handling of detainees.

The details

Paktyawal was taken into custody by ICE on March 13 near his home in Richardson, Texas. According to family members, agents detained him early that morning while he was preparing to take his children to school. ICE said Paktyawal complained of chest pain and shortness of breath at a Dallas field office processing area before being transported to Parkland Hospital, where he died the next morning despite emergency treatment.

  • Paktyawal was detained by ICE on March 13, 2026.
  • He died at Parkland Hospital on March 14, 2026, less than a day after being taken into custody.

The players

Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal

A 41-year-old Afghan refugee who previously worked alongside U.S. forces and died less than a day after being detained by ICE.

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. The cause of death remains under investigation by authorities.

The takeaway

This tragic case has raised serious questions about the treatment of immigrants, particularly those who have assisted the U.S. government, while in ICE custody. It underscores the ongoing concerns about the agency's medical protocols and the need for greater oversight and accountability.