Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal: Afghan Immigrant Dies a Day After ICE Detention in Dallas

Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, a 41-year-old Afghan immigrant, died one day after being taken into custody by ICE in Dallas, and his family says it has received no explanation as of March 19, 2026. Paktiawal was detained on March 13 while preparing to take his children to school and was pronounced dead the next morning at a Dallas hospital, the family reported.

Officials say Paktiawal began complaining of shortness of breath and chest pains while in a processing hold room at an ICE Dallas Field Office on the night of March 13 and was transported immediately to Parkland Health for observation. The following morning staff observed swelling of his tongue during breakfast, medical personnel attempted lifesaving measures, and he was declared deceased at 9:10 a.m. The death remains under investigation and the family says it has not been given a cause.

Family members said Paktiawal, a father of six, arrived in the United States under an Afghan parole program in August 2021 and that his parole expired on August 20, 2025. ICE records note two local arrests last year for fraud and theft; the Dallas County District Attorney confirmed arrests but no convictions at the time of death. The family also asserts prior military service in Afghanistan; the Department of Homeland Security has said it has no record of U.S. service. He is the 12th person to die in ICE custody so far this year and one of 31 detainee deaths reported last year.