Unraveling Tragedy: Afghan Immigrant Dies in ICE Custody

Mon Mar 16 2026 19:27:41 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan refugee and former U.S. military collaborator, dies after being detained by ICE, raising concerns over medical care in detention facilities.

Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, an Afghan immigrant who had worked with U.S. forces, died in a Texas hospital shortly after being detained by ICE. His family expressed disbelief at his sudden death, asserting he was healthy prior to incarceration. The incident highlights ongoing issues with medical care in ICE detention centers, exacerbated by spikes in reported deaths since the beginning of the Trump administration.

HOUSTON — A tragic incident has unfolded in Texas as Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan immigrant and former collaborator with U.S. military forces, died shortly after his detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Paktyawal was taken into custody on a fraud charge related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and died in Parkland Hospital, Dallas, just a day after his arrest, leaving his family in disbelief. They claimed he had no prior health issues, which has escalated concerns about the treatment of detainees and the conditions within ICE facilities.

While in custody, Paktyawal reportedly experienced shortness of breath and chest pains, which led to an emergency response from medical staff in the ICE facility. Despite attempts to save him, he was pronounced dead on Saturday morning.

This incident follows a troubling trend, as deaths in ICE custody have risen, especially during the second term of the Trump administration. Since October 1, 2023, ICE reported 14 custody deaths, indicating a potential for surpassing previous years' totals.

Paktyawal, who had relocated to the U.S. after the Taliban's takeover in Afghanistan, leaves behind a wife and six children. Activist groups advocating for refugees have stated that his death will be investigated as they navigate a challenging asylum process.

ICE's handling of detainee care and the rapid increase in detention rates from approximately 40,000 to over 70,000 highlights ongoing systemic issues related to immigration enforcement in America.