Full Breakdown
Afghan Veteran’s Death in ICE Custody Raises Transparency Concerns
7/7/2026, 10:23:13 PM
Fatal Incident
Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, a 41-year-old Afghan who served with U.S. forces, died on March 14, 2024 at Parkland Memorial Hospital after being taken into ICE custody the day before. The Dallas County Medical Examiner classified the death an accident, citing anaphylaxis complicating acute asthma.
Background & Timeline
Paktiawal arrived during the 2021 evacuation of Afghan allies and applied for asylum. ICE arrested him on March 13 in Richardson, Texas, on fraud and theft charges. He developed shortness of breath and chest pain in a holding room, was taken to Parkland, and on March 14 staff noted tongue swelling, administered epinephrine, and pronounced him dead 40 minutes later. Associated Press tracking notes over 50 ICE detainee deaths in President Donald Trump’s second term; Paktiawal’s is the first ruled an accident.
Official Statements
ICE said a prior Dallas field office screening recorded no medical conditions or allergies for Paktiawal and declined comment. Dallas County official Jennifer Rose said releasing the autopsy would interfere with a criminal investigation. Senator Richard Blumenthal said he will ask the Department of Homeland Security to release it.
Criticism
AfghanEvac demanded the autopsy’s release, citing the family’s right to know the cause of death. President Shawn VanDiver called the withholding “a cover-up.” Brother Naseer Paktiawal asked, “What accident are they talking about? We just want the truth.” The family disputes the methamphetamine claim, noting no blood remained for testing.
Conflicting Reports
The death certificate lists methamphetamine, heart disease and smoking as contributing factors, but relatives say Paktiawal never used meth and a second autopsy could not confirm its presence because no blood remained. ICE’s screening denied allergies, yet an examiner recorded an allergic reaction. Certificate dates injury a day before his custody, uncertainty.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This family has a right to know what happened,” — Shawn VanDiver, president, AfghanEvac
- “What’s happening here smacks of a cover-up,” — Sen. Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Senator (Connecticut)
- “What accident are they talking about?” — Naseer Paktiawal, brother
- “In response to the AP’s request for the report, Dallas County official Jennifer Rose wrote that “its release would interfere with the detection, investigation, and prosecution of a crime.” — Jennifer Rose, Dallas County official
Implications
The case raises concerns about medical care and oversight in ICE facilities, especially for former U.S. allies. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office has not ruled on request to withhold the autopsy, and Department of Homeland Security faces pressure to increase transparency. Ongoing investigations may prompt policy changes to prevent similar incidents.
