An Afghan asylum-seeker dies in ICE custody, and his death has shocked his community and raised urgent questions about immigrant treatment in U.S. detention. Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, a 41-year-old Afghan father of six, died on Saturday, just one day after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested him in Dallas, Texas.
Who Was Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal?
Paktiawal was not just any asylum-seeker. He had a deep connection to the United States. Here are the key facts about him:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Age | 41 years old |
| Family | Father of six children |
| Hometown (U.S.) | Richardson, near Dallas, Texas |
| Service | Worked with U.S. Army Special Forces from 2005 in Paktika, Afghanistan |
| Arrival in U.S. | Evacuated in August 2021 after the Taliban took over |
| Immigration status | Asylum case still pending; parole expired August 2025 |
What Happened on the Day of His Arrest?
On Friday morning, at around 7 a.m., eight masked ICE agents arrested Paktiawal as he was simply taking his children to school. Furthermore, his family had no warning. Later that evening, he told relatives he did not feel well. Subsequently, he was sent to Parkland Hospital in Dallas after complaining of chest pain and shortness of breath at the ICE Dallas Field Office. The following morning, hospital staff noticed his tongue had become swollen while he was eating breakfast. As a result, a medical emergency was called. He was declared dead at 9:10 a.m. on Saturday.
What Did ICE Say?
ICE confirmed his death in a press release and stated the case is under active investigation. Additionally, ICE noted that Paktiawal had two prior arrests in 2024, once for SNAP fraud and once for theft. However, neither ICE nor the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed whether he was ever convicted of those charges.
What Are Advocates Saying?
Shawn VanDiver, a U.S. Navy veteran and president of AfghanEvac, a group that helps Afghan allies, called for a full and transparent investigation. “It would be pretty weird for a healthy 41-year-old man to die less than 24 hours after being taken into government custody,” VanDiver said. Meanwhile, Paktiawal’s family released a heartbreaking statement: “We are heartbroken and trying to process this loss.”
Why Does This Case Matter?
This case is not isolated. In fact, it is part of a growing pattern:
- At least 7 people have died in ICE custody in Texas since December 2025.
- At least 12 deaths have occurred across the U.S. in ICE custody so far in 2026.
- In 2025, ICE recorded over 30 deaths, a two-decade high.
- Nearly a quarter of those deaths happened in Texas.
Moreover, thousands of Afghans were resettled in Texas after the U.S. military withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021. Many of them, like Paktiawal, helped the American military and came to the U.S. seeking safety.
The Bigger Picture
As the Trump administration continues its push for mass deportations, ICE has faced growing criticism over the health and safety of people in its care. Therefore, this case adds fresh pressure on the agency to explain what is happening inside its detention facilities. The Dallas County Medical Examiner has not yet listed an official cause of death.
In conclusion, the story of this Afghan asylum-seeker who dies in ICE custody is both a personal tragedy and a national concern – one that demands clear answers, accountability, and transparency from U.S. immigration authorities.
