Call for Investigation into Afghan Refugee’s Mysterious Death in Detention

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in Texas is calling for a thorough investigation into the sudden death of Nazir Paktiawal, an Afghan refugee and former collaborator with U.S. special forces, who died just one day after being detained by immigration authorities.

Call for Transparent Inquiry into Afghan Refugee’s Death

CAIR has issued a formal statement urging an independent and comprehensive investigation into the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of an Afghan refugee while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The organization emphasized the need for a serious reassessment of how migrants are treated and the quality of healthcare available in detention facilities to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Details of Nazir Paktiawal’s Arrest and Subsequent Death

Reports indicate that Nazir Paktiawal, an Afghan refugee residing in Dallas, was apprehended by ICE officers on March 13, shortly after he dropped his children off at school. Sources close to his family reported that he encountered serious health issues the very night of his arrest, and government authorities informed his family of his death just one day later, on March 14. The rapid unfolding of events has raised numerous questions among civil organizations and his relatives.

Background and Service with U.S. Special Forces

Nazir Paktiawal was a well-known figure in the Afghan community in Texas, having previously served alongside U.S. military forces in Afghanistan. Following the collapse of the Afghan Republic and the resurgence of the Taliban in August 2021, he sought refuge in the United States due to security threats. A father of several young children, he hoped to build a safe life for his family, but his fate took a tragic turn in detention.

Public Pressure for Accountability from U.S. Authorities

Legal and civil rights officials in Texas have stated that the death of any individual in government custody warrants investigations that go beyond internal agency reports. They believe that neglecting the health conditions of refugees in detention can lead to irreversible consequences. Currently, the Afghan community in Dallas and human rights activists are awaiting clear accountability from U.S. immigration authorities regarding the circumstances of this former U.S. collaborator’s death.