Trending Now - Afghan US Military Ally Dies in ICE Detention Shortly After Arrest
WHO:
Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, 41 years old, Afghan immigrant
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Shawn VanDiver, president of #AfghanEvac
U.S. Representative Julie Johnson, Democrat from Dallas County
Parkland Hospital, Dallas, Texas
WHAT:
Paktyawal was arrested by ICE on March 13, 2026, for alleged fraudulent use of food stamps on September 16, 2025, and theft on November 1, 2025.
A Dallas County District Attorney’s Office spokesperson confirmed there is an active case regarding SNAP benefits fraud of $200 or more against Paktyawal that had not been resolved.
Police in Garland stated that Paktyawal was accused of not paying for groceries and merchandise from a Walmart on November 1, 2025.
Paktyawal's asylum case was pending with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services at the time of his detention.
Paktyawal had completed his asylum interview and held a work authorization and a valid Social Security number.
Paktyawal's family stated he was preparing to drive his children to school when he was detained on March 13, 2026.
Paktyawal's family reported that he contacted them shortly after being detained and mentioned he was not feeling well.
Paktyawal died on March 14, 2026, after being detained by ICE for one day.
He was described by ICE as a “criminal illegal alien” with a known criminal history.
Paktyawal had been arrested for alleged fraudulent use of food stamps and theft.
He is the 43rd person to die in ICE custody during Trump’s second administration.
ICE reported 36 detainee deaths since January 23, 2025.
Paktyawal's death is under investigation by ICE.
WHERE:
Dallas, Texas
ICE field office in Dallas
Parkland Hospital, Dallas, Texas
Richardson, Texas, where Paktyawal lived
WHEN:
Paktyawal was arrested on March 13, 2026.
He was pronounced dead at 9:10 a.m. CDT on March 14, 2026.
Paktyawal had entered the U.S. in August 2021.
His parole expired in August 2025.
WHY:
Paktyawal worked with U.S. forces in Afghanistan for over a decade.
His family stated he was evacuated to the U.S. due to the Taliban takeover in August 2021.
ICE claimed he was arrested for alleged fraud against SNAP and theft.
HOW:
During his medical intake exam at the ICE field office, Paktyawal complained of shortness of breath and chest pain, leading to his transport to Parkland Hospital.
Medical staff noted that Paktyawal's tongue had become swollen while he was eating breakfast on March 14, 2026, prompting a medical response.
Paktyawal complained of shortness of breath and chest pain during a medical intake exam at the ICE field office.
He was transported to Parkland Hospital for treatment.
Medical staff attempted CPR after he was found with a swollen tongue and later pronounced dead.
(UPDATED March 17, 2026 07:24 UTC)
Paktyawal was arrested by ICE on March 13, 2026, for allegedly using food stamps fraudulently and for theft at a Walmart in November 2025, while his asylum case was still pending. A spokesperson from the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office confirmed there is an active case against him involving SNAP benefits fraud exceeding $200. Following his detention, Paktyawal reported feeling unwell, and during a medical intake exam, he was transported to Parkland Hospital after experiencing shortness of breath and chest pain, with medical staff later noting his tongue had swollen while he was eating breakfast.
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(UPDATED March 17, 2026 01:33 UTC)
Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan immigrant, died on March 14, 2026, after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for just one day. Described by ICE as a “criminal illegal alien” with a history of alleged fraudulent use of food stamps and theft, Paktyawal became the 43rd person to die in ICE custody during Trump’s second administration, with his death now under investigation. He had entered the U.S. in August 2021 after working with U.S. forces in Afghanistan, but his parole expired in August 2025, and he was transported to Parkland Hospital after complaining of shortness of breath and chest pain during a medical intake exam.