Afghan migrant who served with US military dies in ICE custody after tongue began to swell within a day of his detainment for alleged SNAP fraud

An Afghan immigrant serving in the U.S. military died in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after his tongue swelled less than 24 hours after he was taken into custody, officials said.

Muhammad Nazeer Paktiawal, 41, was taken into custody by federal agents while dropping his children off at school in Texas on March 13, according to his brother, Naseer Paktiawal.

ICE said the father of six was detained on September 16, 2025, because he had a ‘known criminal history’ that included alleged Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud and was arrested on November 1 for theft.

The agency also said Mohammed’s temporary legal status had expired, but according to his family, he was in the country legally after serving with the U.S. military in Afghanistan before being released in 2021. CBS News reported.

Just hours after his arrest, federal officers contacted Emergency Medical Services after Muhammad began complaining of chest pains and shortness of breath while locked in the ICE Dallas Field Office processing waiting room, the agency said.

From there he was transported to Parkland Hospital where he received respiratory treatment. Authorities also added that he was told he had to remain there to be monitored by a doctor.

The next day, while having breakfast, the medical staff noticed that Mohammed’s tongue was swollen.

He received immediate medical treatment, but after ‘many life-saving efforts’, Mohammed died at around 9.10am.

The agency said Mohammed ‘did not report any previous medical history’ during his arrest and processing.

The cause of his symptoms remains unclear and his death remains under investigation, according to ICE.

Naseer said his late brother was recruited by the US government as a member of Afghan special forces and worked with them for more than a decade.

“He was a hero to his family, his people and his country,” Naseer told the press.

He entered the United States at Washington Dulles airport in Maryland on August 21, 2021, being ‘paroled to the United States by an immigration officer’ or granted temporary permission to enter and remain in the country under former President Joe Biden’s administration.

The initiative, called Operation Allied Sanctuary, was an evacuation effort during the 2021 Taliban offensive.

The final weeks of the war saw more than 124,000 people airlifted out of Afghanistan, including American embassy staff, U.S. special immigration visa applicants and some at-risk Afghan civilians.

ICE said it did not provide Muhammad with his military registration when he entered the United States.

Mohammed’s brother, Naseer Paktyawal, said his late brother was recruited by the US government as a member of Afghan special forces and worked with them for more than a decade.

His parole expired on Aug. 20, 2025, and the young father had a pending immigration case, according to his brother.

Naseer started an initiative. GoFundMe page He said he only wanted justice for Muhammad following his brother’s death.

‘All I want. I want justice for my brother. “I don’t need anything else from this government,” he said.

Naseer said his brother was a father of three girls and three boys and ‘he relied on him for everything’.

“Nazeer Paktyawal was a beloved father, brother and friend who meant the world to his family and community,” Naseer added.

As of Monday afternoon, more than $140,000 had been raised for his grieving family.

His death also sparked outrage across the country, with Mustafaa Carroll, Executive Director of the Texas Council on American-Islamic Relations, saying the community is calling for a ‘full and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Paktiawal’s detention and death.’

ICE said the individual was taken into custody on September 16, 2025 because he had a ‘known criminal history’ that included allegations of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud and was arrested on a theft charge on November 1.

“This tragedy occurs in the final days of Ramadan, the holiest time of the month when Muslims reflect on mercy and justice,” Carroll said.

‘Detention does not eliminate a person’s humanity. “Every individual in custody must be treated with dignity, safety and respect,” he added.

Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Lauren Bis told CBS News: ‘No one in ICE custody is denied access to appropriate medical care.

‘It is a long-standing practice to provide comprehensive medical care from the moment an alien enters ICE custody. This includes available medical, dental and mental health services, as well as access to medical appointments and 24-hour emergency care. This is the best healthcare [sic] many aliens took it in their lifetimes.’

The Daily Mail has contacted ICE for comment.