Johnson Calls for Answers After Constituent Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal Dies in ICE Custody
WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Julie Johnson (TX-32), Vice Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, sent a letter to Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons demanding answers and accountability following the death of her constituent, Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, in ICE custody this past weekend. The letter comes after Johnson visited ICE’s Dallas field office on Monday, where she met with officials to seek more information about the circumstances surrounding his death.
“Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal was a loving, devoted father and husband who tragically died after less than 24 hours in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Mr. Paktiawal was a healthy 41-year-old man who worked alongside the US military to defend our freedoms, and once his mission was complete, he sought asylum in the United States,” wrote Johnson. “I write to demand answers regarding the circumstances surrounding Mr. Paktiawal's detainment and his seemingly preventable death. What once started off as only detaining and deporting murderers and rapists has now turned into a husband, a father of 6, and an ally of this country, dead at the hands of this department.”
Johnson has requested that Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons send a response no later than Tuesday, March 24, 2026. To read the full letter, click here or see below.
Dear Acting Director Todd Lyons:
Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal was a loving, devoted father and husband who tragically died after less than 24 hours in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Mr. Paktiawal was a healthy 41-year-old man who worked alongside the US military to defend our freedoms, and once his mission was complete, he sought asylum in the United States. He came here seeking safety and the American Dream for his family. I write to demand answers regarding the circumstances surrounding Mr. Paktiawal's detainment and his seemingly preventable death.
Under this administration, 31 people have died in ICE custody, and my office has received numerous reports of a lack of medical care and inhumane conditions at ICE facilities, particularly at the Dallas Field Office. I am deeply concerned by not only the lack of disregard for human life, but the blatant violation of the 4th amendment. The United States Constitution affords everyone in this country due process, and it is clear Mr. Paktiawal’s constitutional rights were violated. This department's reckless decisions and unwarranted detainment led to his death.
The complete lack of transparency and accountability from this administration is completely unacceptable. What once started off as only detaining and deporting murderers and rapists has now turned into a husband, a father of 6, and an ally of this country, dead at the hands of this department. DHS remains shut down--yet this administration continues to execute mass deportations without being able to maintain the health and safety of detained individuals. Due to the tragedy of this incident, I ask that you provide a swift response to the following questions no later than March 24, 2026.
1. Was Mr. Paktiawal's convicted of any criminal offenses?
2. Who were the officers involved in Mr. Paktiawal’s arrest? Please share any documentation of the arrest including but not limited to: reports, videos, and/or correspondence.
3. Did ICE possess a judicial warrant, signed by a judge, for the arrest of Mr. Paktiawal?
4. Does the facility perform any medical screenings upon intake? If so, what were the results? Please provide a copy of any medical records Dallas Field Office handled and/or obtained pertaining to Mr. Paktiawal. This includes but is not limited to Mr. Paktiawal’s medical history and Intake assessment.
5. At what time was the medical team made aware that Mr. Paktiawal was unwell? What Staff members were present and made aware of Mr. Paktiawal’s original symptoms? Please share any documentation, records, or notes made. What steps were taken to address his medical concerns?
6. In hours and minutes, how long did it take to transfer Mr. Paktiawal from when he first mentioned he was unwell at the Dallas Field Office to Parkland Hospital?
7. There’s been recent reporting that an ambulance was requested, but was denied. Who made that denial? What policy is in effect to allow this denial?
8. Can you provide video footage of inside the field office from when Mr. Paktiawal started complaining of shortness of breath and chest pains to when he was transported?
9. When Mr. Paktiawal arrived at Parkland Hospital, what steps did DHS take to advocate for Mr. Paktiawal to be promptly seen?
10. Was there anyone outside of DHS staff to serve as a patient advocate for Mr. Paktiawal?
11. When was Mr. Paktiawal's family notified that he was being transported and/or admitted to Parkland Hospital?
12. What policies are in place to notify the family of a detainee when they are taken or admitted to the hospital?
13. Has there been any internal investigation done on the detainment and intake of Mr. Paktiawal? Who conducted the investigation? Who was interviewed? Please share any documentation, notes, or correspondence pertaining to the investigation.
\We look forward to your timely response.
Julie E. Johnson
Member of Congress
Congresswoman Julie Johnson represents Texas’s 32nd Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, serving on the Homeland Security Committee, Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Administration Committee. Her district includes parts of Collin, Dallas, and Denton Counties.
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