No One Left Behind mourns the death of Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal

ARLINGTON, VA — On March 14, Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal tragically passed away, less than 24 hours after being taken into ICE custody. Nazeer had served alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan and had an asylum case in processing. His cause of death is not yet determined. 

We mourn his passing. He leaves behind a wife and six children, including an infant. No family should face this reality.

Mr. Paktyawal’s family and the public deserve answers. No One Left Behind calls for a full, transparent, independent investigation. That is a basic standard of accountability.

No One Left Behind is not in a position to speak to the specific circumstances of his detention or medical care, and we will not speculate. We are not here to prejudge the investigation. We are here to say that a man who gave years of service to the U.S. military mission deserved to have his legal case resolved safely.

Men and women who served alongside American special operations forces for years are still waiting for a resolution. The SIV and asylum processes were designed to provide exactly that opportunity and review. When those processes stall, real people are left in limbo. That limbo creates vulnerability.

No One Left Behind exists because the United States made a promise to the allies who fought alongside our troops that they would be protected. We are here to keep that promise. We believe this country can enforce its immigration laws while honoring that commitment. The allies who served beside our troops and pursued permanent status through proper legal channels should have their cases adjudicated fairly and promptly.

About No One Left Behind 

No One Left Behind is the nation's oldest veteran-founded nonprofit dedicated to ensuring America keeps its promise to wartime allies from Iraq and Afghanistan. Since 2013, NOLB has provided advocacy, resettlement assistance, and financial support to thousands of SIV recipients who served alongside U.S. troops.

Available for Interview:

• Andrew Sullivan, Executive Director, No One Left Behind

• Board Members, No One Left Behind

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