Afghan Man Dies in ICE Custody, Family Demands Investigation

Mohommad Nazeer Paktyaw, a 41-year-old Afghan man who worked alongside U.S. Army special forces in Afghanistan, died in ICE custody less than 24 hours after his arrest on March 14, 2023.

Paktyaw was taken to Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas, after complaining of shortness of breath and chest pain. Despite multiple life-saving efforts, he was declared deceased shortly after.

The cause of death has not been specified, and there is an ongoing investigation. Paktyaw's asylum case was pending, and he had entered the U.S. in August 2021.

His family, including six children, is seeking answers, and AfghanEvac has called for a transparent investigation into the circumstances of his detention and medical care. Paktyaw had been arrested previously for fraud and theft related to a food assistance program but had not been convicted of any crime.

His death raises concerns about the treatment of Afghan nationals in the U.S. following the Taliban takeover.