By Our Correspondent
National News – A 41-year-old Afghan man has died in the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) less than 24 hours after his arrest in Texas, sparking calls for a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The deceased, identified as Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, reportedly collapsed while under medical observation at Parkland Hospital after complaining of breathing difficulties and chest pains.
ICE officials said the Afghan national was detained during a targeted enforcement operation before being taken to the hospital for treatment.
According to the agency, Paktyawal was eating breakfast on the morning of March 14 when medical staff noticed that his tongue had suddenly swollen.
Emergency response teams immediately attempted lifesaving procedures, but he was later pronounced dead at approximately 9:10 a.m.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of death, stating that the incident remains under active investigation.
ICE officials also said the detainee had not reported any pre-existing medical conditions at the time of his arrest.
Paktyawal had previously worked alongside United States Army Special Forces in Afghanistan during the two-decade foreign military presence in the country.
Following the Taliban takeover in 2021, he was evacuated to the United States, where he was awaiting the outcome of his asylum application.
Advocacy group AfghanEvac, which assists Afghan refugees resettling in the United States, expressed deep concern over the incident.
The group has urged the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and members of Congress to conduct an independent review of the arrest, detention procedures, and medical care provided before Paktyawal’s death.
Family members described the deceased as a healthy father of six whose youngest child is just 18 months old.
They said the sudden death has left them in shock and searching for answers.
Human rights observers have also raised concerns about detention conditions following recent reports that several individuals have died during immigration enforcement operations this year.
The case is expected to draw increased scrutiny of immigration enforcement practices in the United States as investigations continue.
