US Congresswoman Demands Investigation into Death of Afghan in ICE Custody

U.S. Congresswoman Julie Johnson has called for an immediate investigation into the death of Mohammad Nazir Paktiawal, a 41-year-old Afghan citizen who died less than 24 hours after his detention at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas.

Johnson, who represents Texas's 32nd congressional district and serves as a senior member of the House Homeland Security Committee, sent a letter to acting ICE Director Tad Lyons demanding a full explanation of the detention conditions and circumstances of Paktiawal's death.

The letter states that Paktiawal had worked alongside the U.S. military and applied for asylum in the United States after his mission ended. Johnson described the death as "apparently preventable" and expressed concerns about inhumane conditions and inadequate medical care at the Dallas facility.

She noted that at least 31 people have died in ICE detention centers during the current administration, pointing to serious issues in the detainee holding system.

Johnson requested specific details, including the detention process, Paktiawal's health status upon arrival, the time of his transfer to a hospital, any reports of a denied ambulance request, whether his detention was based on a judicial warrant, and if he had a criminal background.

The congresswoman set a March 24 deadline for ICE to provide responses and stressed that the investigation must be conducted urgently, transparently and comprehensively.