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Afghan national who fought with U.S. forces died of allergic reaction in ICE custody
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, an Afghan national and U.S. ally who fought alongside Special Forces, died from an allergic reaction and asthma exacerbation one day after being detained by ICE for deportation proceedings in Dallas.
- His death was ruled an accident caused by anaphylaxis triggered by an unidentified substance, with contributing factors including methamphetamine toxicity, heart disease, and smoking, though family members dispute the methamphetamine finding.
- ICE arrested Paktiawal despite pending asylum claims and prior unconvicted charges; he was denied medical accommodations like his asthma inhaler, and began experiencing severe symptoms hours after detention.
- Advocacy groups and lawmakers are demanding the release of Paktiawal’s autopsy report, which Dallas County authorities are withholding citing a federal criminal investigation and a law enforcement exception to open records laws, raising concerns of a possible cover-up.
- Paktiawal’s family and supporters emphasize his service and sacrifice for the U.S., calling for transparency and answers about the circumstances leading to his sudden death in ICE custody.
