HOUSTON (RTWNews) — Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan immigrant whose family reported he had worked with U.S. forces, died at a Texas hospital after being detained by immigration authorities. His family has expressed confusion over the circumstances of his sudden death.

Paktyawal died at Parkland Hospital in Dallas on Saturday, only a day after being taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The cause of his death has not yet been determined, but the family asserts that he was not ill prior to his detention.

We cannot comprehend how this occurred. He was a strong and healthy man... his children keep asking when their father will come home, the family stated.

According to ICE, Paktyawal was arrested on September 16 for alleged fraud against the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the main government food aid initiative, and had a prior theft charge from November 1.

At the time of his arrest, ICE claims Paktyawal did not report any medical issues. However, he began experiencing shortness of breath and chest pains while in custody, leading to his transfer to a hospital for treatment.

Tragically, despite lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced dead on Saturday morning. ICE is currently conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Paktyawal's death.

Paktyawal had previously served alongside U.S. military forces in Afghanistan and relocated to the United States as a refugee following the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, which allowed for the Taliban's return to power. He had been living in Dallas with his family while awaiting a decision on his asylum application.

The issue of deaths in ICE custody has become increasingly concerning, with the agency confirming a record number of fatalities in recent years. In the 2024 fiscal year alone, ICE has reported 12 deaths, with expectations that this number may surpass prior totals.

This tragic incident underscores ongoing scrutiny of ICE's detainment practices and the need for reform in the treatment of detainees, particularly those with vulnerable backgrounds, such as those who have assisted U.S. forces abroad.

___

For updates, follow RTWNews and stay connected with ongoing discussions surrounding immigrant rights and ICE policies.