Afghan War Veteran Dies in ICE Custody in Dallas, Sparking Investigation

DALLAS – Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan man who served alongside U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, died on Saturday, March 14, 2026, less than 24 hours after being taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in North Texas. His death has prompted an independent investigation by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General.

Paktyawal’s Arrest and Detention

Paktyawal was arrested by ICE around 7 a.m. On Friday, March 13, 2026, outside his Richardson, Texas, home as he prepared to take his children to school. Family members reported that masked agents conducted the arrest. ICE characterized the arrest as a “targeted enforcement action,” citing Paktyawal’s prior arrests in 2025 for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud and theft Newsweek. However, records indicate that Paktyawal was never convicted of these charges. ICE similarly noted that his parole had expired in August 2025, but advocates clarified that Paktyawal had valid function authorization and a pending asylum case at the time of his death Newsweek.

Sudden Illness and Death

Late Friday night, Paktyawal began experiencing chest pains and shortness of breath while in ICE custody at the Dallas Field Office ICE. He was transported to Parkland Hospital, where an emergency room doctor recommended observation. On Saturday morning, hospital staff observed severe swelling of Paktyawal’s tongue while he was eating breakfast. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at 9:10 a.m. The cause of death remains unknown Newsweek.

A Wartime Ally and Family Man

Paktyawal served alongside U.S. Army Special Forces in Afghanistan for over a decade before being evacuated to the United States in 2021. In Dallas, he worked to support his wife and six children, the youngest of whom is an 18-month-old infant. His family described him as a loving and dedicated father Newsweek. “His children adored him, and he worked hard every day to take care of them and build a future for them in the United States,” the family said in a statement shared by AfghanEvac Newsweek.

Investigation Launched

The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General is conducting an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Paktyawal’s detention and death Newsweek. This is at least the 12th reported death in ICE custody in 2026, surpassing the total of 11 deaths in 2024 Newsweek.