Afghan Refugee Dies in US Immigration Custody Day After Detention Outside Dallas Home

An Afghan refugee died in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody less than 24 hours after his arrest on March 13, 2026, outside his home in Dallas while preparing or dropping off his children for school.

Nazir Paktiawal, 41, had collaborated with US special forces in Afghanistan since 2005 and was resettled in the United States following the 2021 takeover by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. He was a father of several children and a prominent member of the Afghan community in Dallas.

According to reports, Paktiawal faced serious health problems shortly after detention and died the next day, March 14. The exact location of his death varies in accounts: a detention center, a Dallas hospital or ICE custody facility.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in Texas demanded a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the circumstances of his detention and death. CAIR Executive Director Mustafa Carroll stated that everyone in detention must be treated with dignity, security and respect, especially during Ramadan. The group urged US officials to clarify the reason for detention and provide oversight of migrant facilities.

AfghanEvac, an advocacy organization, and its head Shawn Vandiver also highlighted the tragedy, noting Paktiawal's service alongside US forces. Migrant activist Abdul Razzaq Edeil described the incident as indicative of systemic issues in the US immigration system.

ICE, in a statement reported by ToloNews, said Paktiawal had a criminal history including arrests for fraud in a food aid program in September 2025 and theft in November 2025. The agency noted he reported no medical issues at the time of his March 13 arrest and that investigations into his death are ongoing.

The case has raised concerns among advocacy groups over the treatment of Afghan evacuees navigating US immigration processes amid intensified enforcement.