Ayaz Ahmed
Ayaz Ahmed, 61, of Morton Grove, was held by ICE in several immigration detention facilities before being deported to Pakistan in July 2026. His family feared his health would deteriorate in custody, and his attorney, Hashim Siddique, said he needed a breathing device, nasal spray and medication for chronic conditions, and that his medical care was not consistently ensured during detention and transfers. Siddique said Ahmed collapsed after the deportation flight landed and died seven hours later in Islamabad, and that Ahmed's son told him of the death by email. ICE said Ahmed was medically cleared for travel, received his scheduled medication, and was no longer in its custody when he died. Advocates called the death heartbreaking and entirely preventable, and the family is exploring legal action.
Cause of death, as reported: Cause not yet determined (disputed; neglect alleged). His attorney, Hashim Siddique, says Ahmed needed a breathing device and medication for chronic conditions and that his care was not consistently ensured during detention and transfers, while ICE says he was medically cleared for travel and received his scheduled medication.
Reported by: his attorney Hashim Siddique (family or their lawyers).
Custody: In immigration detention.