Afghan man who worked with U.S. military dies after being taken into ICE custody in Texas

PBS NewsHour
by Juan A. Lozano, Associated Press
March 16, 2026
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3 min read

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An Afghan who helped U.S. military forces died while in ICE detention in Texas.

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An Afghan immigrant who had worked with U.S. forces in Afghanistan died at a Texas hospital after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. The man's family confirmed his background assisting American military operations in his home country before coming to the United States. His death in ICE custody raises questions about the treatment of Afghan allies who fled to America following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Many Afghans who worked alongside American forces have sought refuge in the United States, often facing complex immigration proceedings despite their service. ICE has not yet released details about the circumstances surrounding his detention or the cause of death.

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ICE has not yet released details about the circumstances surrounding his detention or the cause of death.

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