Calls for Investigation into Afghan Refugee’s Tragic Death in U.S. Custody

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in Texas is demanding an extensive investigation into the suspicious death of Nazheer Paktiwal, an Afghan refugee and former collaborator with U.S. Special Forces, who died just one day after being detained by immigration authorities.

Call for a Transparent Inquiry into Afghan Refugee’s Death

CAIR has issued an official statement urging for a comprehensive and transparent independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Paktiwal while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. The organization stresses that the treatment of refugees and the quality of healthcare in detention centers must be seriously reviewed to prevent similar tragic incidents in the future.

Details of Nazheer Paktiwal’s Arrest and Death in Dallas

Reports indicate that Nazheer Paktiwal, an Afghan refugee residing in Dallas, was arrested by immigration agents outside his home on March 13, shortly after he had dropped his children off at school. Family sources say he encountered serious health issues that same night in detention, and on March 14, one day after his arrest, government officials informed his family of his death. The rapid succession of events has raised numerous questions among civil rights organizations and his relatives.

Background of Service with U.S. Special Forces

Paktiwal was a well-known figure within the Afghan community in Texas, having a military cooperation background with the United States. He had served alongside U.S. Special Forces in Afghanistan for several years and fled to the United States as a refugee following the fall of the democratic government and the return of the Taliban in August 2021, due to security threats. A father of several young children, he sought refuge in the U.S. in hopes of a safer life, but found his fate sealed in detention.

Public Outcry for Accountability from U.S. Officials

Legal and civil rights advocates in Texas have expressed that the death of any individual while in custody of government entities necessitates investigations that go beyond internal reports. They believe that neglecting the health conditions of detainees can have irreparable consequences. Currently, the Afghan community in Dallas and human rights activists are awaiting clear answers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding the underlying cause of this former collaborator’s death. Concerns have also risen regarding the ongoing safety and security of Afghan nationals, as many have been linked to terrorism in various reports. For more information, see Concerns Rise Over Afghan Refugee Security.