HOUSTON (AP) — An Afghan immigrant named Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal died in a Texas hospital after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to family and officials.
The 41-year-old Paktyawal was hospitalized at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, where he passed away a day after being taken into custody by ICE.
As of now, the cause of death remains undetermined. Paktyawal's family claimed he was healthy at the time of his detention. They expressed their confusion and heartbreak over his unexpected passing, particularly for his six children waiting for their father to return home.
According to ICE, Paktyawal had been arrested on September 16 for allegedly committing fraud against the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and had prior arrests for theft.
ICE reported that he did not disclose any pre-existing medical issues during his arrest and processing. However, he began exhibiting shortness of breath and chest pain while in the ICE processing hold room.
Tragically, after being taken to the hospital, Paktyawal's condition worsened and he passed away on Saturday morning. ICE stated that his passing is under investigation.
Before his arrival in the United States, Paktyawal worked alongside U.S. military special forces in Afghanistan. He came to the U.S. as a refugee following the Taliban's takeover in August 2021, supported by #AfghanEvac, a group dedicated to assisting Afghan allies.
Paktyawal had been residing in Richardson, Texas, with his family while awaiting the outcome of his asylum case.
Deaths of ICE detainees have become a growing concern, particularly under the current administration, which has seen a spike in custody deaths. Recent data illustrates that the number of individuals in ICE detention has more than doubled since early 2021, raising critical questions regarding the treatment and conditions of detainees.
Paktyawal's death has reignited discussions on the accountability of ICE and the urgent need for reform in the immigration detention system, which houses significantly more detainees than in previous years.
