Controversial Death in ICE Custody: Afghan Immigrant's Case Raises Questions

Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, an Afghan immigrant who assisted U.S. forces, died in a Texas hospital after being detained by ICE. His death, amid allegations of fraudulent food stamp use and theft, has sparked controversy. Advocacy groups question federal claims, and await the cause of death from medical examiners.

The case of Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, an Afghan immigrant detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has sparked widespread controversy following his sudden death less than 24 hours in custody. Detained for alleged food stamp fraud and theft, Paktyawal's death has ignited discussions on ICE practices.

Federal immigration authorities labeled Paktyawal a ''criminal,'' citing no record of his military service, a claim contested by #AfghanEvac, a support group for Afghan allies. The group's president, Shawn VanDiver, criticized ICE, asserting the importance of interagency verification before making labels and questioning the integrity of ICE's procedures.

Paktyawal, a former U.S. military aide in Afghanistan, died in a Dallas hospital after complaints of shortness of breath. His sudden death adds to the increase in custody fatalities, raising questions about ICE's handling of detainees and the criteria used for targeting individuals like Paktyawal.

(With inputs from agencies.)