A nearly blind refugee named Nurul Amin Shah Alam was found dead in New York just days after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers left him at a coffee shop. This incident has raised serious concerns about the treatment of vulnerable individuals in custody.
Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan described Shah Alam’s death as “preventable” and criticized CBP for their actions. He emphasized that leaving a vulnerable person, who couldn’t communicate properly and had vision impairments, alone on a cold night was unprofessional and inhumane. Ryan called for accountability and demanded answers from CBP about what happened.
CBP stated that Shah Alam entered the U.S. as a refugee in December 2024 and was not subject to removal. They offered him a ride to a coffee shop, which they considered a safe place. However, there was no effort made to ensure that he was handed over to a family member or community member for support, which seems critical in such a situation.
The Buffalo Police found Shah Alam’s body on a Tuesday evening after a public appeal for information about his whereabouts. He had last been seen near the intersection of Niagara Street and Ontario Street. His family was left in the dark about his release, which adds to the tragic nature of this event. Shah Alam’s son, Mohamad Faisal, revealed that they were Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, and expressed confusion about why they were not informed of his father’s situation.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul voiced her outrage, noting that “a blind father was released from federal custody and left alone on the street.” She stressed that nobody should vanish under government oversight. Hochul, along with other officials, is pushing for an independent investigation into the matter.
Expert Insight
When considering the implications for policy change, immigration experts highlight the need for better training for border agents. They argue that humanizing policies and ensuring compassionate treatment of refugees can prevent tragedies like this one from happening again.
Statistics & Context
According to the Refugee Council, over 200,000 refugees were resettled in the U.S. in 2024 alone, stressing the importance of adequate support systems in place for vulnerable individuals. An observation noted is that many refugees face significant challenges upon arrival, such as language barriers and lack of community connections.
In conclusion, Shah Alam’s death underscores the urgent need for better care and accountability in the treatment of refugees by authorities. As communities come together to support those in similar situations, it’s crucial to advocate for reforms that prioritize human dignity and safety.
