Blind Refugee Found Dead After Immigration Release in New York
A nearly-blind, non-English-speaking refugee from Myanmar, Nurul Amin Shah Alam, was found dead in upstate New York following his release from federal immigration custody.
Shah Alam was discovered deceased on Tuesday, several days after US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) dropped him off at a coffee shop located miles from his home in Buffalo, where temperatures had been below freezing.
Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan described Shah Alam's death as "deeply disturbing" and called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding it.
Details of Release and Location
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees CBP, stated that Shah Alam had accepted a courtesy ride to the coffee shop and showed "no signs of distress, mobility issues, or disabilities requiring special assistance" at the time of his release.
DHS explained that the coffee shop was closer to his residence compared to releasing him "directly from the Border Patrol station" and was considered "a warm, safe location."
The Washington Post published a video from outside the Tim Horton's coffee shop where Shah Alam is believed to have been dropped off. The footage, dated 19 February, appears to show Shah Alam walking past the establishment without entering. The video was reportedly recorded after the restaurant had closed.
The coffee shop closes at 19:00 local time, according to posted hours. Weather reports from that night indicated temperatures around 36°F (2.2°C).
Investigation and Circumstances of Death
Shah Alam's cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. The Buffalo Police Department is conducting an investigation into the events leading to the death of the 56-year-old.
He was found dead on 24 February, nearly 6 miles (9.7 km) from the coffee shop, according to Buffalo police.
A passerby called 911 after observing a man wearing khaki pants and a dark parka who appeared unresponsive, although the individual had been moving when seen three hours earlier, police reported.
Background and Legal History
Prior to his death, Shah Alam had been in local police custody for nearly a year on assault and weapons charges related to an incident in which two police officers were injured, according to police records. He was released on bail following a plea agreement, as reported by local media.
US immigration authorities had placed a detainer on him as part of the case, which is a request to take custody of a non-US citizen upon release.
The Buffalo Police Department provided a timeline indicating that Shah Alam's lawyer reported him missing on 22 February, stating he had been released to federal authorities on 19 February without identification. Shah Alam's son informed police he believed his father had been held by federal authorities starting 19 February.
reported that CBP released Shah Alam after determining he had entered the US as a refugee and could not be legally deported.
Shah Alam's family stated they were not notified about the time or location of his release.
The BBC has reached out to CBP for comment.
Official Reactions and Family Statements
At a news conference, Mayor Ryan criticized Border Patrol, DHS, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), stating they "don't know what they're doing" and summarized the situation:
"The Border Patrol officers had no protocol of what to do with the disabled man who doesn't speak English, who is confused and lost," he said. "And you know what they did? They dropped him at a closed coffee shop."
One of Shah Alam's children, Mohamad Faisal, told via text message that the family was not informed about his father's release location.
"Nobody told me or my family or attorney where my dad was dropped off," Faisal said.
Faisal explained that his father's arrest the previous year stemmed from a misunderstanding with police officers. Shah Alam had been out for a walk using a curtain rod as a walking stick. When he became lost and entered a Buffalo resident's property, the resident called the police.
Since Shah Alam does not speak English, he could not comprehend police commands to drop the curtain rod, leading to his arrest, Faisal stated.
Body-worn camera footage released by Buffalo police shows Shah Alam holding two black rods as officers arrive. He repeatedly says "sorry." After failing to drop the rods following repeated requests, an officer deploys tasers. Shah Alam then walks forward swinging the rods until an officer wrestles him to the ground.
Faisal noted that his father was eager to return to his son's home to "eat home-cooked food" and "be united with the rest of [his] family." The family are Arakan Rohingya refugees.
Calls for Investigation and Legal Review
Local officials have called for an investigation into Shah Alam's death.
New York Attorney General Letitia James stated her office is "reviewing our legal options."
"Nurul Amin Shah Alam fled genocide and came to this country in search of safety and opportunity," she said in a statement. "Instead, his life was tragically cut short. No one who comes here seeking refuge should be left in harm's way."
