Afghan Evacuee Dies in ICE Custody in Texas, Sparking Investigation Demands
An Afghan man who previously worked with United States Army Special Forces in his home country has died in a Texas hospital less than twenty-four hours after being taken into Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody. The agency confirmed the death on Sunday, March 15, prompting immediate calls for a thorough and transparent investigation from advocacy groups.
Details of the Arrest and Medical Emergency
Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, aged 41, was arrested by ICE during a targeted enforcement action on Friday, March 13. According to ICE statements, Paktyawal was transported to Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas, after complaining of shortness of breath and chest pains while in custody.
Early on March 14, while eating breakfast, medical staff observed that his tongue had become swollen, which triggered an emergency medical response. Despite multiple lifesaving attempts, Paktyawal was declared deceased at 9:10 a.m. that same morning.
The agency has not specified an official cause of death and emphasized that his passing is currently under active investigation. ICE also noted that Paktyawal did not report any prior medical history at the time of his arrest.
Background and Advocacy Response
Paktyawal was evacuated to the United States in 2021 following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. His asylum case remained pending at the time of his death, according to AfghanEvac, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting with the resettlement of Afghans in America.
Shawn VanDiver, president of AfghanEvac, issued a strong statement demanding an immediate and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Paktyawal's detention, medical care, and death. The group is calling for oversight by the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General and Congress to ensure accountability.
"We still cannot understand how this happened. He was only 41 years old and was a strong and healthy man," expressed Paktyawal's family in a statement shared by AfghanEvac. He was a father of six children, with the youngest being just 18 months old.
Broader Context and Legal History
This incident occurs amidst heightened scrutiny of ICE practices. Last week, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination criticized ICE for "excessive use of force during immigration enforcement operations." The committee highlighted that at least eight individuals have died during ICE operations or while in ICE custody since January.
ICE provided additional details about Paktyawal's immigration status and legal history. He entered the United States in August 2021, and the duration of his parole was set to expire in August 2025. The agency revealed that Paktyawal was arrested twice in the previous year for fraud and theft related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which offers food benefits to low-income families.
However, AfghanEvac countered that these arrests did not result in criminal charges and clarified that, based on currently available information, Paktyawal had not been convicted of any crimes.
The death of Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal underscores ongoing concerns about the treatment and medical care of individuals in immigration detention, particularly those who have served alongside U.S. forces abroad. As investigations proceed, advocacy groups and his grieving family await answers and justice.
