An Afghan migrant who previously served alongside the United States military has died while in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after his tongue swelled up less than 24 hours following his detention, according to federal officials. The incident has raised serious questions about medical care and justice in immigration detention facilities.
Details of the Arrest and Medical Emergency
Mohammed Nazeer Paktiawal, aged 41, was detained by ICE agents on March 13 while he was dropping his children off at school in Texas, as reported by his brother, Naseer Paktiawal. The father of six was taken into custody due to a known criminal history, which included alleged Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud on September 16, 2025, and an arrest for theft on November 1, according to ICE statements.
The agency also noted that Mohammed's temporary legal status had expired. However, his family contends that he was in the country legally after serving with the US military in Afghanistan before being evacuated in 2021, as covered by CBS News.
Rapid Health Deterioration in Custody
Just hours after his arrest, federal officers contacted Emergency Medical Services when Mohammed began complaining of chest pains and shortness of breath while locked inside the ICE Dallas Field Office processing holding room. He was subsequently transported to Parkland Hospital, where he received a breathing treatment and was advised to remain under medical supervision.
While eating breakfast the following day, medical staff observed that Mohammed's tongue had swollen significantly. Despite immediate medical intervention and multiple lifesaving efforts, he passed away around 9:10 am on March 14. During his arrest and processing, Mohammed did not report any prior medical history, according to ICE officials.
Background and Family's Plea for Justice
Mohammed Nazeer Paktiawal was a father to three sons and three daughters, described by his brother as a hero to his family, people, and country. Naseer revealed that his late brother was hired by the US government as a member of the Afghan special forces, working alongside them for over a decade.
He entered the United States on August 21, 2021, at Washington Dulles International Airport in Maryland, paroled into the country under former President Joe Biden's administration as part of Operation Allies Refuge. This initiative evacuated more than 124,000 people, including at-risk Afghan civilians, during the final weeks of the war. ICE stated that Mohammed did not provide his military record upon entry, and his parole expired on August 20, 2025, with a pending immigration case at the time of his death.
Community Reaction and Calls for Investigation
Naseer has launched a GoFundMe page, which has raised over $140,000 for the grieving family, and he is demanding justice for his brother. Mustafaa Carroll, the Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations – Texas, emphasized the need for a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mohammed's detention and death, noting the tragedy occurred during the sacred time of Ramadan.
In response, Department of Homeland Security Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis asserted that no one in ICE custody is denied access to proper medical care, highlighting comprehensive services provided. However, the cause of Mohammed's symptoms remains unclear, and his death is currently under investigation by ICE.
