Tragic Death of Afghan Immigrant in ICE Custody Raises Questions

Mon Mar 16 2026 19:31:24 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The death of Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan immigrant who had supported U.S. forces, while in ICE custody poses serious questions about medical care and treatment in immigration detention facilities.

Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan immigrant detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), died shortly after being arrested for alleged fraud. His family claims he was healthy prior to his detention. The cause of death remains under investigation, highlighting concerns over the healthcare available to detainees. Paktyawal, who had once served alongside U.S. troops, came to the U.S. as a refugee after the Taliban takeover in 2021.

HOUSTON (AP) — The recent death of Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan immigrant, while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has raised serious concerns about the treatment of detainees and the medical services available in immigration facilities.

Paktyawal, who had reportedly worked with U.S. forces in Afghanistan, passed away at Parkland Hospital in Dallas after being detained by ICE. Officials are currently investigating the cause of his death, which his family states was unexpected as he had no prior health issues.

His family expressed devastation over his passing, stating, We still cannot understand how this happened... His children keep asking when their father will come home. ICE indicated that Paktyawal had been previously arrested for alleged fraud against the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) prior to his latest detention.

During his time in custody, it was reported that Paktyawal began experiencing shortness of breath and chest pain while in an ICE field office. Medical personnel attempted to provide life-saving measures, but he ultimately succumbed.

This tragedy highlights the rising number of deaths in ICE custody, with a staggering increase noted during the Trump administration. Detainee healthcare has come under scrutiny, leading to calls for reforms in how detainees are treated.

Paktyawal had recently relocated to Richardson, a suburb of Dallas, and was awaiting the outcome of his asylum case. He leaves behind a wife and six children who now face the void left by this untimely loss.

The investigation into his death continues as advocates urge for a reevaluation of healthcare policies within ICE facilities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all detainees.