US Senator Calls for Independent Investigation into Death of Afghan in ICE Detention

US Senator Chris Coons of Delaware has called for an independent investigation into the detention and death of Nazir, a 41-year-old Afghan citizen, at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Texas.

In a statement on X, Coons demanded accountability for any possible mistreatment. He noted that Nazir had fought alongside US soldiers during the two decades of American forces' presence in Afghanistan, collaborated with US special forces, received training, participated in operations and earned commendations. Nazir had come to the United States on a promise of protection.

According to Sean Vandiver, president of Afghan Evac, an organization advocating for Afghan immigrants' rights in the US, Nazir was arrested on Friday in front of his children and transferred to the ICE detention facility. He died less than 24 hours later on Saturday.

Vandiver said in a video that he received a phone call informing him of Nazir's death. He spoke with Nazir's brother, wife and six children, who are deeply saddened. Vandiver emphasized that the death of a healthy 41-year-old man so soon after detention "is not natural" and requires explanation. He added that more details would be released later.

US officials and the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, have not commented on the incident.