A tragic incident has unfolded in Texas, where Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan father of six, lost his life just one day after being taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The events leading to his detention occurred on March 14, outside of Dallas, and his death was subsequently confirmed the following morning. Paktyawal’s family has expressed their heartbreak and disbelief at the rapid succession of these distressing events.
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Paktyawal was well-known for his role in aiding U.S. troops during military operations in Afghanistan. Following the fall of the U.S.-backed government in August 2021, he fled to the United States with his family, seeking safety and a fresh start. His family settled in Richardson, Texas, with high hopes for a stable life after enduring the turmoil of war.
On the day of his detention, Paktyawal was reportedly preparing to take his children to school when he was approached by ICE officers. The unsettling scene unfolded in front of his young children, one of whom is only 18 months old. The family recounted how the children watched in horror as their father was taken away, a moment they will carry with them indefinitely.
Later that evening, his family received news that he was in the hospital, a place they hoped might facilitate his return to them. Tragically, the following morning brought the devastating announcement of his death. The family described Paktyawal as a “strong and healthy man,” a sentiment that has left them grappling with the question their young children keep asking: when will their father come home?
ICE has confirmed Paktyawal’s death occurred on March 14 at Parkland Hospital in Dallas at 9:10 a.m. The agency indicated he had been in custody for only a day and raised the matter of his alleged “known criminal history,” which included two previous arrests related to SNAP fraud—concerning the federal food assistance programme—and theft. However, it remains unclear whether these allegations resulted in convictions.
The agency also stated that Paktyawal reportedly did not disclose any prior medical issues while in custody. Furthermore, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has claimed there was “no record” of his military service, despite assertions from the AfghanEvac organisation that he was specifically evacuated from Afghanistan due to his contributions alongside U.S. personnel.
In a statement from Shawn VanDiver, president of AfghanEvac, the necessity for accountability was underscored. “Mr. Paktyawal survived our war in Afghanistan and trusted the United States enough to rebuild his life here,” he stated. “His family deserves answers. The American public deserves answers. The U.S. service members who fought alongside Afghan partners deserve answers.” This sentiment resonates strongly, especially given the rapid escalation of violence and political instability in Afghanistan during the Taliban’s recent rise to power.
Paktyawal’s parole was set to expire on August 20, 2025, according to ICE records. The agency has indicated that an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death is underway, as required by law. “ICE is committed to ensuring that all those in custody reside in safe, secure and humane environments,” a statement from the agency read.
The case has drawn attention from various human rights organisations, including the American Civil Liberties Union and Human Rights Watch, which have documented numerous civil rights abuses within ICE facilities. The tragic incident has sparked renewed calls for reform and oversight of the detention process, particularly as it relates to vulnerable individuals seeking refuge.
Representative Marc Veasey, a Democrat representing the Dallas area, has demanded a comprehensive and transparent investigation into Paktyawal’s detention and subsequent death. He had visited the facility shortly before this incident and has expressed concern over the treatment of detainees within the system.
As calls for accountability continue to grow, the impact of Paktyawal’s untimely death extends far beyond his immediate family, highlighting broader issues within the U.S. immigration system and the treatment of those who have worked alongside American forces in conflict zones. The community mourns the loss of a devoted father and husband, while many are left questioning how such tragic losses can occur within a system designed to protect.