Blind refugee Nurul Amin Shah Alam died in upstate New York after federal immigration authorities released him.

Shah Alam, 56, came from Myanmar as a refugee in December 2024. Therefore, he needed help navigating unfamiliar areas.

On 19 February, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) dropped him at a Tim Hortons coffee shop in Buffalo. This location was several miles from his home.

Officials said the coffee shop was closer to his residence than the Border Patrol station. However, the shop had already closed by 19:00 local time.

Temperatures that night were around 36°F (2.2°C), creating dangerous conditions. Since Shah Alam was nearly blind and could not speak English, he struggled to find help.

Shah Alam’s body appeared on 24 February, about six miles from the coffee shop. A passerby called 911 after seeing him motionless.

Previously, Shah Alam had spent nearly a year in local police custody for assault and weapons charges. He was released on bail after a plea deal, while immigration authorities placed a detainer on him.

His lawyer reported him missing on 22 February. Meanwhile, his family said no one told them where or when CBP released him.

Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan condemned the release. He called Shah Alam’s death “deeply disturbing” and demanded a full investigation. Furthermore, he criticized Border Patrol, ICE, and DHS for improper handling of a disabled refugee.

Shah Alam’s son, Mohamad Faisal, explained that his father’s arrest resulted from a misunderstanding. Shah Alam had used a curtain rod as a walking stick and could not follow police commands.

New York Attorney General Letitia James stated her office is reviewing legal options. She added that refugees seeking safety should never face such danger.

Meanwhile, Buffalo authorities continue investigating Shah Alam’s death. They aim to clarify the events and hold responsible parties accountable.

Overall, the case has drawn national attention. It highlights serious concerns about refugee safety, immigration procedures, and protections for vulnerable non-English speakers.