In brief
Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, an Afghan immigrant and former U.S. ally, died in ICE custody in Texas just a day after his arrest for alleged fraud. His family is left distraught and confused over the circumstances surrounding his death, while investigators probe into this tragic incident. Paktyawal had fled Afghanistan amid the Taliban takeover, seeking refuge for him and his six children in the U.S.
HOUSTON (AP) — Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan immigrant who had reportedly worked with U.S. forces, died Saturday at Parkland Hospital in Dallas after being detained by immigration authorities. Paktyawal's family expressed disbelief and sorrow over the sudden death, emphasizing that he had shown no signs of illness prior to his detention.ICE indicated that Paktyawal had previously been arrested for fraud against SNAP and theft. Despite reporting no medical issues at the time of his arrest, Paktyawal began experiencing shortness of breath and chest pains while in ICE custody, leading to his emergency hospitalization.Paktyawal's condition deteriorated significantly, resulting in his death early Saturday morning, just hours after complaining of health issues. We still cannot understand how this happened. He was only 41 years old and a strong and healthy man. His children keep asking when their father will come home, his family stated.Paktyawal, a former artisan with ties to U.S. military special forces, had come to the United States as a refugee following the U.S. troops' withdrawal and the Taliban's takeover in 2021. While awaiting a decision on his asylum application, he lived in Richardson, Texas, with his wife and six children.His passing is currently under investigation by ICE. This incident adds to growing concerns regarding the treatment of immigrants in detention facilities. In recent years, reports of rising custody deaths in ICE facilities have prompted calls for scrutiny and reform. Paktyawal's case highlights the vulnerability of refugees and the urgency for better oversight in the detention system.
