The Council on American-Islamic Relations – Texas (CAIR-Texas) is calling for a full, transparent investigation following the death of Nazeer Paktiawal, an Afghan refugee who died on March 14 after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 13.

According to information provided to the family and community members, Paktiawal was detained by ICE officers outside his home after dropping his children off at school. Later that evening, he reportedly experienced serious health complications while in custody. The following day, authorities informed his family that he had passed away.

Paktiawal had previously served alongside U.S. military special forces in Afghanistan and came to the United States as a refugee following the Taliban takeover in 2021. He was a father, brother, and a valued member of the Dallas community.

CAIR-Texas expresses its deepest condolences to Paktiawal’s family and loved ones during this devastating time.

“This tragedy comes during the final days of Ramadan, the most sacred time of the month when Muslims reflect on mercy and justice,” said Mustafaa Carroll, CAIR-Texas DFW Executive Director. “Detention does not erase a person’s humanity. Every individual in custody must be treated with dignity, safety, and respect. We call on authorities to ensure a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Paktiawal’s detention and death.”

ICE has released a statement about Paktiawal emphasizing past allegations and immigration status rather than addressing the broader concerns raised by his death in government custody. Regardless of immigration status or past allegations, every person in government custody deserves humane treatment and due process. Paktiawal’s family and the public deserve clear answers about what happened.

SEE: ICE’s Statement in Response to Nazeer Paktiawal’s Death

Deaths in government custody require independent scrutiny to ensure accountability and to prevent similar tragedies from occurring again.

“ICE’s despicable statement about Mr. Paktiawal reflects how it dehumanizes refugees in our country. The government needs to bring this wanton agency under control.” said Imran Ghani, CAIR-Texas Houston Operations Manager. 

CAIR-Texas urges lawmakers to hold ICE accountable, establish independent oversight of immigration detention facilities, and support federal legislation such as the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, which would strengthen transparency, protect due process, and ensure humane standards for individuals in detention.

SEE: New Report Details ICE’s Expanding and Increasingly Unaccountable Detention System

SEE: H.R.6397 – Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act

Community members who wish to support Paktiawal’s family during this difficult time can contribute here:
https://gofund.me/530deb901

CAIR-Texas’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

La misión de CAIR-Texas es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

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Contact: CAIR-Texas DFW Executive Director Mustafaa Carroll, 469-200-0273, mcarroll@cair.com; CAIR-Texas Houston Operations Manager Imran Ghani,  ighani@cair.com, 713-922-5270; CAIR-Texas Austin Operations Manager Shaimaa Zayaan, szayan@cair.com, 512-785-7105; CAIR-Texas Civic Engagement Organizer Sameeha Rizvi, srizvi@cair.com, 512-893-1371