On March 13, Afghan immigrant Naseer Paktiawal was informed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that his brother, Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, had been arrested in North Texas and was unwell. Despite assurances from an ICE agent that medical assistance was available, Mohammad died less than 24 hours later, making him the twelfth person to die in ICE custody this year. This follows a record year in 2025, where 31 detainees died, marking the highest death rate in two decades at 5.6 deaths per 10,000 detainees. Mohammad, a former ally of the U.S. military in Afghanistan, had no known pre-existing medical conditions, and his death is currently under investigation. The circumstances of his death highlight ongoing concerns about the medical care provided in ICE detention centers, which have faced criticism for inadequate healthcare and alleged human rights abuses.
Why It Matters
The situation surrounding Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal’s death underscores broader issues within the U.S. immigration detention system, where ICE has faced increasing scrutiny over detainee treatment and medical care. In 2025, the number of detainees reached over 68,000, with a notable rise in deaths and documented cases of medical neglect. Congressional Democrats and various advocacy organizations have raised alarms about human rights violations and inadequate medical treatment, prompting calls for greater oversight of ICE facilities. The agency has consistently denied allegations of substandard care, stating that it provides comprehensive medical services to detainees.
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