A Sudden Loss in Texas: An Afghan Family’s Tragic Day

Paktyawal, Afghan Veteran, Dies After ICE Custody in Dallas Suburb

A 41‑year‑old Afghan veteran who had fled war and sought asylum in the United States died less than a day after being taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the Dallas suburb of Richardson. The incident unfolded on a Friday morning when masked agents surrounded his apartment, handcuffed him, and transported him to an ICE field office. His wife and six children watched in horror as the men left, pleading for his release.

The family reported that Paktyawal began feeling unwell at the field office, complaining of shortness of breath and chest pain. He was immediately sent to Parkland Hospital for treatment. While there, medical staff observed his tongue swelling and tried several life‑saving measures before declaring him dead at 9:10 a.m. Saturday. He had no known health problems, and his death came as a shock to those who knew him.

ICE described Paktyawal as a “criminal illegal alien from Afghanistan” and said an investigation was underway. The agency also cited two prior arrests—one for SNAP fraud in September and another for theft in November—but the family disputes these claims. The statement omitted any mention of his military service, which included more than a decade of special forces work alongside U.S. troops in Paktika province.

Paktyawal’s story is part of a larger pattern: this year, at least twelve people have died in ICE custody under the current administration’s immigration policies, a number that is already higher than the previous year. Advocacy groups such as AfghanEvac, which supports former Afghan allies, have called for a thorough inquiry. They argue that a healthy 41‑year‑old should not die so suddenly in federal custody, and they demand answers for the family, the public, and U.S. service members who fought beside Afghan partners.

The community gathered outside the hospital to demand a body and an autopsy, but officials said it could not be released until the investigation was complete. The situation has left many Afghan residents in Dallas feeling unsafe and questioning the fairness of the U.S. immigration system, especially after the government’s recent tightening of entry rules for Afghan nationals who worked with U.S. forces.