local
Afghan ally died in ICE custody from allergic reaction to unidentified substance, certificate says
By AP via Scripps News Group at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· 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 The Nashville
The death of Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, an Afghan ally who fought alongside US forces, raises questions about the treatment of immigrants in the Nashville area and beyond. As a city with a growing immigrant population, Nashville's community is likely to be affected by the national debate on immigration and detention policies. The fact that Paktiawal was detained for deportation proceedings despite having a pending asylum claim and a history of cooperation with US forces may resonate with local residents who have come to the US seeking safety and protection. The call for transparency and accountability in Paktiawal's death, led by advocacy groups and members of Congress, may also prompt local leaders to examine the city's own policies and procedures for handling immigrant detention and deportation cases. As the situation unfolds, Nashville residents may be watching to see how local authorities respond to concerns about immigrant rights and detention practices.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville 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 NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
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 NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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