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Blind Refugee Left to Die: Officials Blame CBP
26 Feb
Summary
- Vulnerable refugee left alone in cold after release from custody.
- Authorities question the inhumane decision by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
- Refugee, nearly blind and not speaking English, was found dead days later.
A 56-year-old refugee from Burma, Nurul Amin Shah Alam, died in Buffalo, New York, after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents released him from custody and left him alone in the city. Mayor Sean M. Ryan condemned the decision as unprofessional and inhumane, noting Shah Alam was nearly blind and did not speak English.
Shah Alam had been detained on February 16, 2025, on felony assault, burglary, and criminal mischief charges. He later pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor offenses. On February 19, 2026, he posted bond and was released from Erie County Jail.
CBP stated that agents offered Shah Alam a courtesy ride to a warm coffee shop near his last known address after confirming his refugee status. They claimed he showed no signs of distress or mobility issues. However, his son reported that neither he nor his family was informed of his father's drop-off location.
The Erie County Medical Examiner determined Shah Alam died from health-related effects. His attorney mentioned he was using a curtain rod as a walking stick when arrested on February 15, 2025, due to his vision impairment and language barrier.
