Family of Afghan Refugee Demands Accountability Over Death in US Immigration Custody

The family of Afghan refugee Nazir Paktiawal has demanded accountability and information on the cause of his death after three months without details from authorities.

Paktiawal died in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody less than 24 hours after detention. His brother Nasir joined US Senator Richard Blumenthal and Shannon Dower, head of Afghan Evacuees, at a press conference criticizing the lack of transparency.

Senator Blumenthal said the United States should demand the truth about the death to uphold American values. Dower stated that answers must be provided to the family, noting expectations would be the same in other countries.

Thirty-one people died in ICE detention in the previous year, the highest rate in two decades. In a separate case, prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Afghan citizen Rahmanullah Lakanwal, accused of attacking two National Guard members. Lakanwal has pleaded not guilty.