Afghan Asylum-Seeker Dies in ICE Custody One Day After Detention in Texas

By Editor, March 16, 2026

Source: Mehanicq, Shutterstock

A 41-year-old Afghan man, Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal (also reported as Paktiawal), died Saturday at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, less than 24 hours after took him into custody.

Paktyawal, a father of six with a pending asylum case who had assisted U.S. forces, was arrested Friday.

ICE confirmed the death but provided no immediate cause. Advocates and family members expressed alarm over detention conditions, noting this marks at least the 12th ICE custody death this year. Paktyawal lived in North Texas while his asylum process continued.

The incident has renewed scrutiny of immigration enforcement practices under the current administration, with calls for transparency and improved medical protocols in detention facilities.