local
Former Afghan ally who died in ICE custody suffered an allergic reaction, death certificate says
By Ryan J. Foley, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 6, 2026
· 4 min read
An Afghan national who fought alongside U.S. forces died from an allergic reaction while in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, one day after he was detained for deportation proceedings, his death certificate shows.Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, 41, suffered “an adverse drug reaction”...
Key takeaway Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, 41, suffered “an adverse drug reaction” to an unidentified substance, which triggered anaphylaxis and exacerbated his asthma, according to the document.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
The death of Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, a former Afghan ally, in ICE custody raises questions about the treatment of immigrants in the Houston area. As a community that has welcomed many refugees and asylum seekers, Magnolia residents should be concerned about the circumstances surrounding Paktiawal's death. The fact that he was detained for deportation proceedings despite having risked his life fighting alongside US forces in Afghanistan for a decade is troubling. Furthermore, the ruling of his death as an accident due to an allergic reaction to an unidentified substance prompts questions about the medical screening and care provided to detainees in ICE custody. The call for the release of Paktiawal's autopsy report by advocacy groups and members of Congress is a step towards transparency and accountability. Magnolia residents should watch for further developments in this case and consider the implications for the local immigrant community.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? An Afghan national who fought alongside U.S. forces died from an allergic reaction while in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, one day after he was detained for deportation proceedings, his death certificate shows.Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, 41, suffered “an adverse drug reaction”...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ryan J. Foley, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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