An Afghan national who previously assisted U.S. Special Forces died from an allergic reaction while in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, with his death certificate listing the cause as an accident. Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, 41, died on March 14 at a Dallas hospital following an "adverse drug reaction" to an unidentified substance that triggered anaphylaxis and worsened his existing asthma, according to his death certificate.
Paktiawal's death has drawn scrutiny due to his decade-long service alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan. He was among thousands evacuated from Afghanistan in 2021 and entered the U.S. through a legal process, seeking asylum. His asylum claim was pending when ICE detained him at his home on March 13, as he was preparing his six children for school.
ICE stated that Paktiawal was targeted for deportation due to alleged food stamp fraud and theft charges, though he had not been convicted of either offense. ICE noted that Paktiawal was screened upon arrival at the Dallas field office and reported no medical conditions or allergies. Hours later, he began experiencing shortness of breath and chest pain and was transferred to Parkland Memorial Hospital. Hospital staff administered epinephrine the following morning after observing tongue swelling, but he was pronounced dead about 40 minutes later.
The death certificate attributes the cause of death to "anaphylaxis complicating acute asthma exacerbation," with contributing factors including toxic effects of methamphetamine, heart disease, and cigarette smoking. Paktiawal's relatives stated they were unaware of any methamphetamine use. A subsequent autopsy for the family could not confirm the presence of methamphetamine due to a lack of remaining blood for testing, according to Shawn VanDiver, president of the advocacy group AfghanEvac.
Paktiawal's wife indicated he used an inhaler for asthma, but ICE agents reportedly declined to take it when he was taken into custody. His brother, Naseer Paktiawal, expressed skepticism about the "accident" ruling, stating, "We just want the truth."
Advocacy groups, including AfghanEvac, and members of Congress are calling for the release of Paktiawal's autopsy report. Texas authorities have sought to withhold the report, citing that its disclosure could impede a pending criminal investigation. "This family has a right to know what happened," said VanDiver, who questioned how the substance entered Paktiawal's system and why the injury date on the death certificate predated his custody. Senator Richard Blumenthal has stated he will request the Department of Homeland Security to release the autopsy.
Paktiawal worked as a truck driver and in a market and bakery after settling in the U.S., with his brother noting he labored long hours to support his six children. A GoFundMe campaign for his family has raised over $180,000.