Afghan Refugee Dies After ICE Detention in Texas; CAIR Texas Calls for Investigation

Nazir Paktiyawal, an Afghan refugee who formerly served alongside U.S. special forces and relocated to the United States after 2021, died following his detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents outside his home in Dallas, Texas, on March 13.

Paktiyawal was detained while handling his children's school routine, according to reports. He experienced serious health problems shortly after and was hospitalized, where he died either hours later, as stated by Khaama Press citing AfghanEvac, or the next day on March 14, per Ariana News. He was 41 years old, a father of several children and a member of the Dallas Afghan community.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Texas chapter demanded a comprehensive, transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances of his detention and death. In a statement, the group said individuals in detention must be treated with dignity and urged U.S. officials to clarify the reason for the detention and provide oversight of migrant detention centers.

Paktiyawal's case reflects ongoing concerns among advocacy groups about the treatment of Afghan evacuees who worked with U.S. forces. Many such individuals continue navigating complex immigration processes, with reports of increased detentions of Afghan asylum seekers amid intensified U.S. immigration enforcement.