Afghan Man’s Death Sparks Outcry Following ICE Custody Incident
AUSTIN – An Afghan individual apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in March has died due to an allergic reaction identified in a newly released death certificate. This revelation has triggered demands for transparency from both his family and lawmakers.
Details Surrounding the Death
The death certificate reveals that Mohammad Nazir Pakchawal experienced anaphylaxis from an unknown substance, which exacerbated his asthma. His untimely death, at the age of 41, has been designated as accidental.
Demands for Clarity from Family
Nasir Pakhtiawar, Pakchawal’s brother, expressed his frustration at a press conference, questioning the official narrative. “What accident are they talking about? Someone in that building knows what happened to my brother. I want to know,” he stated, highlighting his family’s urgent need for answers.
Outrage from Lawmakers
Pakchawal’s death has incited significant outrage, particularly as he was a former member of the Afghan special forces who had collaborated with U.S. Army Special Forces. He and his family fled Afghanistan in 2021 amidst the Taliban’s resurgence.
Call for Autopsy Transparency
Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) noted the absence of transparency surrounding the case, characterizing it as nearly a cover-up. He has pledged to request an autopsy from the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, stating, “The refusal to release these records raises doubts and suspicions of a cover-up.”
Investigative Challenges Surrounding Death
Pakchawal is reported to be the 19th individual to die while in ICE custody in 2026, amid rising scrutiny regarding deaths in detention. Advocacy groups, including #AfghanEvac, are urging Texas authorities to disclose the full autopsy report, particularly questioning inconsistencies regarding the timeline of Pakchawal’s injuries.
Investigation and Autopsy Report Suppression
In a troubling twist, Dallas County is attempting to suppress Pakchawal’s autopsy report, arguing that its release could compromise an ongoing criminal investigation. The specifics of who is under investigation have not been disclosed, complicating the family’s quest for answers.
Complications and Controversies in Medical Findings
According to Pakchawal’s death certificate, contributing factors included the toxic effects of methamphetamine, smoking, and heart disease. However, his brother strongly refutes this diagnosis, asserting that neither the family nor his colleagues had any knowledge of Pakchawal using methamphetamine. He further clarified that his brother had previously smoked but ceased this behavior upon relocating to the United States.
Medical Incident During ICE Custody
Reports indicate that Pakchawal began experiencing severe shortness of breath and chest pain while at the Dallas ICE field office, necessitating hospitalization. Medical staff subsequently observed a swollen tongue the following morning, but despite attempts to stabilize him, he tragically passed away.
