Dallas, Texas - Today, Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33)sent a letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding the recent death of Afghan father and former U.S military ally Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, raising concerns once again about the circumstances within these facilities.

In the letter, Congressman Veasey stated that he is requesting the Department of Homeland Security and ICE conduct a full and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Paktiawal's death.

"Congress has a responsibility to oversee federal agencies, and I intend to continue pressing for accountability on behalf of Mr. Paktiawal, his family, and all those who trust our nation's promises."

This marks Rep. Veasey's second letter to the Department of Homeland Security, to which he has yet to receive a response.

Rep. Veasey urges the Department of Homeland Security and ICE to treat this matter, as well as his prior unanswered inquiries, with the urgency, transparency, and seriousness it demands.

The full letter can be found here:

Dear Acting Director Lyons:

I am writing to express my profound concern regarding the tragic death of Mohammad Nazeer

Paktiawal on March 14, 2026, following a stay that exceeded the eight-hour standard at the ICE

Processing Center in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Paktiawal, an Afghan father and military ally who served

alongside our servicemembers for more than two decades, died under circumstances that demand an

immediate, full, and transparent investigation. No family should have to endure the loss of a loved

one while in the custody of the federal government, especially one who stood shoulder to shoulder

with U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

During my recent visit to the ICE Processing Center in Dallas, officials assured me that individuals

held at the facility have access to basic care supplies and are generally detained no longer than eight

hours, except in rare circumstances. ICE's lack of transparency and knack for distractions does not

assuage credible reports I have received indicating that individuals have been held at the facility for

extended periods - some for over a week, and as long as 11 days - with limited access to running

water, overcrowded holding rooms, and improper place to sleep. I raised these concerns in a previous

letter to your office, to which I have yet to receive a response.1This lack of engagement and

transparency reflects a troubling pattern of inaction on issues I first raised more than eight months

ago.

According to ICE officials, Mr. Paktiawal had been in custody since the morning of Friday, March

13, 2026. He was transferred that evening, more than 8 hours later, to Parkland Hospital in Dallas,

where he was subsequently pronounced dead.2While in a processing room at the ICE Field Office in

Dallas, he reportedly complained about shortness of breath and chest pains. After being transferred to

Parkland Hospital, he received breathing treatment and remained overnight in the hospital for

observation. Tragically, Mr. Paktiawal was declared dead the following morning despite multiple

lifesaving efforts.

Mr. Paktiawal's death underscores a broader moral and strategic obligation. When individuals risk

their lives to assist the United States, we owe them safety, dignity, and fair treatment. Failing to

uphold these basic obligations sends a troubling signal to current and prospective allies abroad,

particularly in regions critical to U.S. national security, who may consider cooperating with U.S.

forces.

For these reasons, I formally request that the Department of Homeland Security and ICE conduct a

complete and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Paktiawal's death. In

addition, I request a detailed accounting of custody procedures, detention times, and oversight

mechanisms currently in place at the Dallas facility.

Congress has a responsibility to oversee federal agencies, and I intend to continue pressing for

accountability on behalf of Mr. Paktiawal, his family, and all those who trust our nation's promises. I

urge you to treat this matter, and my prior unanswered inquiries, with the urgency, transparency, and

seriousness it demands.

Sincerely,

Marc Veasey

Member of Congress