Blind Refugee Found Dead 5 Days After Release From Border Patrol Custody in Buffalo

A 56-year-old nearly blind Rohingya refugee named Nurul Amin Shah Alam was found dead on the streets of Buffalo, New York, five days after being released from U.S. Border Patrol custody. His body was discovered by police officers on Tuesday evening, February 24, 2023. Shah Alam had been missing since his release on February 19, when U.S. Border Patrol agents dropped him off at a coffee shop, miles away from his home, and did not notify his family or lawyer about his release. The Department of Homeland Security stated that Shah Alam was dropped off at a “warm, safe location” in Buffalo. However, he never made it inside the location where he was supposed to go. Reports indicate that he was released at night, which raised concerns about his safety, especially given his near-blindness. The circumstances surrounding his release and subsequent death have prompted scrutiny of the U.S. immigration authorities' handling of vulnerable individuals. Shah Alam's death has drawn attention to the treatment of refugees and the protocols followed by U.S. Border Patrol. The incident highlights the risks faced by individuals who are released without adequate support or communication with their families. Local authorities are investigating the circumstances of his death and the actions taken by immigration officials prior to his release.