Afghan Asylum Seeker and U.S. Ally Dies Following ICE Detention in Dallas
An asylum-seeking father of six, who previously fought alongside the U.S. military in Afghanistan, passed away this weekend less than 24 hours after being detained by federal immigration agents outside his home in the Dallas area. The incident has ignited outrage and demands for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Detention and Medical Emergency
Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal, 41, was preparing to drop his children off at school on Friday morning when multiple agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took him into custody in front of his family. According to his relatives, this traumatic moment will haunt his children forever, with the youngest being just 18 months old.
While waiting in a hold room at ICE's Dallas office, Paktyawal began complaining of shortness of breath and chest pains, as reported by the agency. He also informed his family over the phone about his condition. He was subsequently admitted to Parkland Hospital on Friday night for medical evaluation.
Sudden Death and Ongoing Investigation
On Saturday morning, while eating breakfast at the hospital, medical staff observed that Paktyawal's tongue had become swollen, prompting an immediate emergency response. Despite multiple lifesaving efforts, he was declared dead later that day. ICE has stated that a medical investigation into the cause of his death is currently ongoing, but details remain scarce.
Paktyawal's family expressed profound shock and pain, struggling to comprehend the loss of a man they describe as strong and healthy at only 41 years old. In a heartfelt statement, they revealed that his children continue to ask when their father will return home, highlighting the emotional devastation caused by this tragedy.
Background and Advocacy
Paktyawal served as an Afghan special forces soldier starting in 2005 and was among the group of Afghans who worked closely with U.S. forces for over a decade, according to the nonprofit organization AfghanEvac. He was evacuated to the United States in August 2021 and had been running a bakery in Richardson, Texas, while his asylum case progressed through the legal system.
In response to his death, AfghanEvac President Shawn VanDiver emphasized the United States' promise to Afghans who stood with American troops, calling for transparency, accountability, and dignity in their treatment. He stressed that this moment demands nothing less than a full commitment to those principles.
Controversy and Calls for Action
ICE incorrectly labeled Paktyawal as a "criminal illegal alien" in its initial statement, despite him and his family residing legally in the U.S. and complying with immigration processes. The agency cited prior arrests related to accusations of fraud and theft, though AfghanEvac clarified that these incidents never resulted in criminal charges or convictions.
Mustafaa Carroll, Executive Director of CAIR-Texas DFW, underscored the importance of treating every individual in custody with dignity, safety, and respect. He urged authorities to conduct a full and transparent investigation into Paktyawal's detention and death, emphasizing that detention should not erase a person's humanity.
As of now, the House Homeland Security Committee has not responded to inquiries about whether it will examine Paktyawal's case, leaving many questions unanswered and fueling further calls for justice and reform in immigration practices.
