‘Nearly blind’ refugee found dead after being released by Border Patrol in New York
‘Nearly blind’ refugee found dead after being released by Border Patrol in New York
Authorities Report Preventable Tragedy
Officials in New York state reported the discovery of a 56-year-old refugee, Nurul Amin Shah Alam, who was found deceased days after being placed at a coffee shop by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents. Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan described the incident as “deeply disturbing” and criticized the agency for its failure to ensure the man’s safety.
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A vulnerable man — nearly blind and unable to speak English — was left alone on a cold winter night with no known attempt to leave him in a safe, secure location,” Ryan stated in a Wednesday press release. He further emphasized that the Border Patrol’s actions were “unprofessional and inhumane,” calling for accountability in the case.
CBP Statement on Release and Care
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) clarified that the Buffalo Police Department alerted them on Feb. 19 about a noncitizen in custody. The agency confirmed that Shah Alam, a refugee who had arrived in December 2024, could not be deported and was “not amenable to removal.”
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Border Patrol agents offered Shah Alam a ride, which he accepted to a coffee shop, determined to be a warm, safe location near his last known address, rather than be released directly from the Border Patrol station,” the CBP stated. The agency noted that the man showed no signs of distress, mobility issues, or disabilities requiring special assistance at the time of release.
Public Search and Family Concerns
The Buffalo Police Department posted on Facebook on Tuesday morning, requesting public assistance in locating the missing Shah Alam. The post indicated he was last seen at 8 p.m. near Niagara Street and Ontario Street, wearing a dark winter jacket. By Wednesday afternoon, the search was called off after his body was discovered.
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Nobody told me or my family or attorney where my dad was dropped off,” Mohamad Faisal, one of Shah Alam’s children, told Reuters. The family identified themselves as Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, adding to the emotional weight of the incident.
State Governor Demands Review
New York Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the incident, stating that “a blind father was released from federal custody and left alone on the street to find his way home. He never made it back to his family.” She argued that the man’s disappearance was a result of systemic neglect and urged an independent investigation.
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No one should disappear at the hands of the government,” Hochul said on Thursday. Her comments underscored the need for transparency and accountability in the handling of refugee cases.
Reporter’s Note
Daniella Silva, a national reporter for NBC News specializing in immigration and education, covered the development, highlighting the broader implications of the case for refugee protections in the United States.
