Dallas—The death of Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, a 41-year-old Afghan immigrant, has raised significant concerns regarding health care conditions within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities. Paktiawal, who had been taken into custody as part of a targeted enforcement operation, died just hours after expressing distress over his health.
### Circumstances of Death
On March 13, Paktiawal’s brother, Naseer Paktiawal, received a call from ICE shortly after his brother had been arrested in North Texas. During their conversation, Mohammad indicated he was unwell and experiencing physical pain. Naseer communicated his concerns to the ICE agent on the phone, who responded that care would be provided and abruptly ended the call. Less than 24 hours later, the family was informed of Mohammad’s death.
The U.S. government has confirmed that Paktiawal was evacuated from Afghanistan during the military withdrawal in the summer of 2021, and he is noted as the first Afghan national to die in ICE custody since 2008. His family emphasizes that he had no known pre-existing medical conditions, and the suddenness of his death has drawn attention to the adequacy of medical care in ICE facilities.
### Rising Death Toll
2025 has seen a troubling uptick in the number of deaths among detainees, with 13 reported by mid-March—more than three times the number recorded during the same timeframe in the previous year. This spike is compounded by a record-high detainee population, as ICE reported holding over 68,000 individuals in custody. The death rate in detention, calculated at 5.6 per 10,000 detainees, has reached its highest level since 2020.
This alarming trend raises ongoing questions about the conditions inside ICE detention centers, which have faced longstanding criticism for inadequate medical care. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Paktiawal’s legal status in the U.S. expired last August, and he was arrested on allegations of fraud and theft that had not yet been adjudicated. ICE’s role in detaining individuals who are subject to deportation is central to its operations, yet the increasing mortality rate among detainees suggests systemic issues.
### Criticism and Accountability
Recent allegations from congressional Democrats have drawn attention to potential human rights abuses within ICE facilities. Claims of medical neglect have been made by both family members of detainees and advocacy groups. Multiple lawsuits filed against ICE allege inhumane conditions, asserting that many individuals are unable to receive necessary medical treatments in a timely manner. Despite these concerns, ICE continues to refute claims of substandard care, maintaining that comprehensive medical services are available to detainees.
The deaths of individuals in ICE custody have prompted renewed calls for oversight and reform. Numerous detainees have reported failing to receive adequate care, with some suffering serious health issues prior to their deaths. Historical data illustrates patterns where officials have neglected urgent medical needs, exacerbating the health crises faced by detainees.
### Family’s Plea for Justice
Following Mohammad’s death, his family has called for accountability. Naseer Paktiawal expressed deep concern and grief, stating, “I want the answer for his children, for my family, for this community. What happened to my brother?” The emotional impact of this loss is underscored by the testimony of his son, Imrain, who referred to his father as a “hero” for his contributions alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan.
The family is pressing for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Paktiawal’s death, emphasizing the importance of transparency and justice. This situation highlights broader implications for the treatment of individuals in immigration detention and the urgent need for legislative review of ICE practices and policies.
### Conclusion
As investigations continue, the case of Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal has sparked discussions surrounding the growing concerns about medical care in ICE facilities and the vulnerable population it serves. The families affected by these tragedies seek answers, and the potential for reform within the immigration system looms larger than ever. With rising death rates and ongoing litigation, the spotlight on ICE is unlikely to dim.
Source: Original Reporting
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