Mysterious Death in ICE Custody: Afghan Asylum-Seeker Dies Within 24 Hours

Afghan immigrant who worked with the U.S. military dies under unclear circumstances, sparking calls for investigation

Background and Circumstances of Death

Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan immigrant, died on Saturday, less than 24 hours after being taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Texas. Paktyawal, a father of six, had applied for U.S. asylum and had worked with the U.S. military in Afghanistan. He was detained outside his apartment complex in the Dallas suburb of Richardson on Friday morning, while preparing to take his children to school. According to a family friend, Rahmanullah Zazy, Paktyawal was surrounded by masked men who drove up and put him in handcuffs, causing his children to cry and yell.

Reaction and Investigation

ICE described Paktyawal as a "criminal illegal alien from Afghanistan" and stated that his death was under investigation. However, AfghanEvac, a San Diego-based group that advocates for Afghan allies, called for an immediate investigation, saying it was "not normal" for a healthy 41-year-old to die so suddenly in federal custody. The group's president, Shawn VanDiver, stated that Paktyawal's family and the American public deserve answers, and that U.S. service members who fought alongside Afghan partners also deserve answers. ICE said in its statement that Paktyawal had been arrested in a "targeted enforcement action" and that he had not reported any prior medical history.

Medical Treatment and Cause of Death

According to ICE, Paktyawal began complaining of shortness of breath and chest pains while at an ICE field office in Dallas on Friday, and was immediately taken to Parkland Hospital. He received breathing treatment and doctors recommended that he stay overnight for observation. Early on Saturday, medical staff noticed that Paktyawal's tongue had become swollen, prompting a medical response. He was declared dead at 9:10 a.m. after multiple lifesaving attempts. The exact cause of Paktyawal's death is still unknown and is currently under investigation.

Broader Context and Implications

Paktyawal's death is the 12th reported death in ICE custody this year, compared to over 30 last year, the highest in two decades. His case has sparked concerns about the treatment and safety of immigrants in ICE custody. Paktyawal's family and advocates are seeking answers and transparency regarding the circumstances of his death. As an Afghan special forces soldier who worked with U.S. Army Special Forces, Paktyawal's death has also raised questions about the U.S. government's treatment of its allies and the evacuation of Afghan nationals who worked with the U.S. military. The U.S. government had evacuated Paktyawal and his family from Afghanistan in August 2021, amid the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces and the Taliban's return to power. Paktyawal's family has disputed the accuracy of ICE's statement regarding his arrest history, and his case has highlighted the need for greater accountability and transparency in ICE's detention and enforcement practices. Further investigation is needed to determine the circumstances surrounding Paktyawal's death and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

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