Afghan Refugee Dies in ICE Custody in Texas, Family Demands Answers
Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan refugee and father of six children, died less than a day after being taken into custody by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in North Texas. The tragic incident has left his family devastated and searching for answers, while raising serious questions about detention practices and medical care in immigration facilities.
Arrest and Rapid Deterioration of Health
Paktyawal was detained on the morning of March 13 outside his home in Richardson, Texas, as he was preparing to take his children to school. According to his family, he managed to call his brother shortly after his arrest, saying he was unwell and experiencing significant pain.
That same night, ICE officials reported that he complained of shortness of breath and chest pain while at a processing facility. He was subsequently taken to a Dallas hospital for medical attention. By the next morning, his condition had dramatically worsened, with reports of tongue swelling and other complications. Despite extensive medical efforts, Paktyawal was pronounced dead on March 14.
The exact cause of death remains under investigation by authorities, leaving his family in a state of uncertainty and grief.
Family's Heartbreaking Grief and Search for Truth
Paktyawal's death has left his family shattered and demanding transparency about the circumstances surrounding his detention and subsequent passing.
His 12-year-old son, Imrain, expressed his profound grief in simple but powerful words: "He was a hero… and he will always be a hero." The young boy added, "I just want answers for my dad… I want to know why he died. He was healthy."
His brother, Naseer Paktyawal, recounted their final conversation, describing how Mohammad sounded frightened and repeatedly said he was not feeling well. "He was my best friend since birth… They took everything from me, from his family, from those six kids," Naseer told media outlets. "Nobody's answering… why is he dead?"
The family maintains they have received no clear explanation for his detention or the circumstances that led to his death, intensifying their anguish and frustration.
Rising Toll in Immigration Detention Facilities
Paktyawal's death represents part of a growing number of fatalities in ICE detention facilities across the United States. He is reported to be the 12th detainee to die this year, with overall deaths in custody showing a sharp increase compared to previous years.
In 2025, 31 detainees died in ICE custody, marking the highest number in two decades. This troubling statistic coincides with a significant surge in detention numbers driven by stricter immigration enforcement policies implemented in recent years.
Questions Over Legal Status and Allegations
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Paktyawal entered the United States legally in 2021 under a humanitarian parole program following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. His temporary status expired in August 2025.
Authorities stated he had been arrested in Texas on allegations of fraud involving food assistance benefits and theft. However, officials confirmed that these cases had not been adjudicated at the time of his death, meaning no formal legal determination had been made regarding these accusations.
His family strongly disputes the characterization of him as a criminal, emphasizing that he was actively in the process of seeking asylum and had consistently complied with all legal procedures throughout his time in the United States.
A Life Shaped by War and Migration
Paktyawal's family describes a man whose life was profoundly shaped by conflict and displacement. They say he spent nearly a decade serving alongside US forces in Afghanistan, including in dangerous regions like Paktika province.
After the Taliban takeover in 2021, he and his family were evacuated to the United States, where he worked diligently to rebuild his life. He found employment at a bakery while patiently awaiting the outcome of his asylum application, demonstrating resilience in the face of significant challenges.
While US authorities say they have no official record of his military service, his family has presented various documents and personal accounts to support their claim about his background and contributions.
Paktyawal's death has intensified scrutiny of ICE detention practices, particularly around medical care protocols and transparency in communicating with families of detainees. For now, his family says their only demand is clarity and truth about what happened to their loved one during his final hours in custody.
