Afghan Asylum Seeker Dies in ICE Custody After 24 Hours

The death of Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal, an Afghan man who assisted U.S. Forces and was awaiting asylum in the United States, while in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody has ignited fresh scrutiny of detention conditions and sparked outrage among veteran advocacy groups. Paktyawal, 41, died on Saturday, less than 24 hours after being detained by federal agents in the Dallas, Texas area, according to a statement released Sunday by AfghanEvac, a U.S. Veteran-led organization assisting Afghan allies. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, but the incident underscores the precarious situation faced by many Afghan evacuees navigating the U.S. Immigration system.

A Life Interrupted: From Afghan Special Forces to Texas

Paktyawal’s story is one of service and seeking refuge. He served as a member of the Afghan special forces for a decade, working alongside U.S. Troops during the two-decade-long conflict. Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, Paktyawal was legally evacuated to the United States, along with his wife and six children. He had been working at an Afghan bakery in the Dallas area while his asylum case was being processed, including a completed interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. According to Shawn VanDiver, president of AfghanEvac, Paktyawal “was doing everything right,” contributing to his community and adhering to legal processes. The arrest occurred on Friday morning as Paktyawal was preparing to accept his children to school, with agents in unmarked vehicles surrounding his vehicle. He contacted family from ICE custody later that day, reporting feeling unwell before being admitted to Parkland Hospital in Dallas, where he later died.

Escalating Concerns Over ICE Detention

Paktyawal’s death is not an isolated incident. It is, at minimum, the 12th reported death in ICE detention this year, according to AfghanEvac, and comes as the agency is on track to experience its deadliest year in over two decades. The Independent reports that this would be at least the 24th death in ICE custody this fiscal year, which began in October. Last year, ICE reported 31 deaths in detention, the highest number in two decades. These figures raise serious questions about the safety and quality of care provided within ICE facilities, and fuel ongoing calls for increased oversight and reform. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, has yet to provide a comprehensive response to inquiries regarding Paktyawal’s death.

The Asylum Process and the Trump Legacy

Paktyawal’s case highlights the complexities and vulnerabilities inherent in the U.S. Asylum system, particularly for those who assisted the U.S. Military. While the U.S. Government has established pathways for Afghan allies to seek refuge, navigating the bureaucratic process can be arduous and time-consuming. The current situation is also deeply intertwined with the legacy of the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Al-Monitor notes that Paktyawal’s death occurred under President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, which prioritized mass deportations and significantly increased ICE’s role in enforcement. This approach led to a surge in detentions and, a rise in deaths within ICE custody. The Biden administration has pledged to reform immigration policies, but advocates argue that systemic issues persist, and the pace of change remains insufficient.

What’s Confirmed and What Remains Unclear

Confirmed: Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal, a former Afghan special forces soldier who worked with U.S. Forces, died in ICE custody on Saturday, March 16, 2026, less than 24 hours after being detained in Texas. He was awaiting a decision on his asylum application and had completed an interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. He was arrested while taking his children to school. The number of deaths in ICE custody is rising, with at least 12 confirmed deaths this year.

Unclear: The specific cause of Paktyawal’s death remains unknown. ICE and the Department of Homeland Security have not yet released detailed information regarding the circumstances surrounding his death. The timeline of events following his arrest, particularly the details of his medical care, are still being investigated. The full extent of the impact of Trump-era policies on the current situation is still being assessed.

The Broader Implications for Afghan Allies

Paktyawal’s death has sent shockwaves through the Afghan evacuee community in the United States, raising fears about their safety and security. Many Afghan allies who assisted the U.S. Military feel a deep sense of betrayal and vulnerability, particularly given the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan and the subsequent Taliban takeover. The incident also has implications for U.S. Foreign policy and its commitment to supporting those who risked their lives to assist American forces. The U.S. Has a moral and strategic obligation to protect Afghan allies who face persecution and violence in their home country. Failure to do so not only undermines U.S. Credibility but also discourages future cooperation with allies in conflict zones. The situation also raises questions about the vetting process for Afghan evacuees and the adequacy of support services available to help them integrate into American society.

Investigative Steps and Calls for Accountability

AfghanEvac is calling for an immediate and transparent investigation into Paktyawal’s death, demanding accountability from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security. The organization is also urging Congress to hold hearings on the rising number of deaths in ICE custody and to enact comprehensive immigration reform. Several members of Congress have already expressed their concern over the incident, vowing to seek answers and push for greater oversight of ICE. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for ICE’s policies and procedures, potentially leading to stricter medical standards, increased training for agents, and improved oversight mechanisms. The case also highlights the need for greater collaboration between ICE, the Department of Homeland Security, and advocacy groups representing Afghan allies.

Looking ahead, the focus will likely shift to the investigation’s findings and any subsequent policy changes. Advocacy groups will continue to push for comprehensive immigration reform, including a pathway to citizenship for Afghan allies and other vulnerable populations. The Biden administration will face increasing pressure to address the systemic issues within ICE and to ensure the safety and well-being of those in its custody. The case of Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of immigration policies and the urgent need for compassion, accountability, and reform.