DALLAS — A 41-year-old Afghan national with a criminal record died at Parkland Hospital after being taken into ICE custody, federal authorities confirmed Monday.
Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal was pronounced dead at 9:10 a.m. March 14, just one day after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested him during a targeted enforcement operation in Dallas.
According to ICE records, Paktiawal had been in the United States since August 2021 after being paroled into the country at Washington Dulles International Airport. His parole expired in August 2025, making him subject to removal proceedings.
Federal agents said Paktiawal had two prior arrests — one for SNAP fraud, a felony, on Sept. 16, 2025, and another for theft on Nov. 1, 2025. He was taken into custody March 13 and processed at the ICE Dallas Field Office.
That evening, Paktiawal began experiencing shortness of breath and chest pains while in a processing hold room. ICE contacted emergency medical services, and he was transported to Parkland Hospital for treatment. Doctors recommended he remain for observation.
Early the next morning, medical staff observed that Paktiawal’s tongue had become swollen while he was eating breakfast. Multiple lifesaving efforts were attempted before he was declared deceased.
ICE notified Paktiawal’s next of kin and the Consulate of Afghanistan in Toronto, Canada. Federal authorities said the death is under active investigation and that all deaths in ICE custody are reported to Congress, the DHS Office of Inspector General, and the media within 90 days as required by law.
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Key Facts
- Agency: HSI
- Category: Human Trafficking
- Source: Official Press Release ↗
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