Mohommad Nazeer Paktiawal Dies After Entering ICE Custody in Dallas

As of March 17, 2026, 08:20 PM, authorities confirmed that Mohommad Nazeer Paktiawal, a 41-year-old Afghan immigrant, died at Parkland Hospital in Dallas after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

ICE says Paktiawal was arrested Sept. 16 on an allegation of fraud involving SNAP benefits and was also detained Nov. 1 by Garland police on a theft allegation. During a medical intake at a Dallas ICE field office he reported shortness of breath and chest pain, was transported to Parkland, experienced a swollen tongue and later required CPR; he was pronounced dead at 9:10 a.m. CDT. The Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet released a cause of death and ICE has opened an investigation.

Paktiawal’s family and advocacy group #AfghanEvac said he had been evacuated to the United States after working alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan and that he was a longtime supporter of American military missions. Representative Julie Johnson, who visited the Dallas field office, said the family told her he had applied for asylum and that questions remain about why he was detained. A Dallas County prosecutor confirmed an active felony case alleging SNAP fraud of $200 or more; the Garland theft matter has not been filed with the district attorney.

The death adds to a recent rise in fatalities in ICE custody; the agency reported 14 custody deaths from the start of the federal fiscal year Oct. 1 through Jan. 6 and has said it is expanding detention capacity. Paktyawal was living in Richardson and is survived by his wife and six children.