Afghan asylum-seeker dies in ICE custody after brief Texas detention

An Afghan asylum-seeker and former Afghan special forces soldier died in ICE custody in the Dallas area less than 24 hours after being detained outside his Richardson apartment. ICE said the death is under investigation, noting Paktyawal had no reported prior medical history. He fell ill with shortness of breath and chest pains at a Dallas ICE field office, was hospitalized, and died after medical staff observed a swollen tongue. Paktyawal, a 41-year-old father of six and U.S. military ally who was evacuated in 2021, had worked with U.S. Army Special Forces; AfghanEvac and others have urged an immediate investigation, saying his death is not normal and calling for accountability amid the immigration crackdown.