A nearly blind refugee from Myanmar, Nurul Amin Shah Alam, was found dead on a downtown street in Buffalo, city officials stated on Wednesday. His body was discovered by police officers on Tuesday night.
Shah Alam, 56, had been missing since February 19, when U.S. Border Patrol released him at a coffee shop several miles from his home after his time in county jail. He had spent much of the previous year awaiting trial on criminal charges, which concluded in a misdemeanor plea deal.
According to a spokesperson, homicide detectives are looking into the circumstances surrounding his death. Buffalo’s Mayor Sean Ryan criticized federal immigration authorities, declaring that Shah Alam’s death was preventable and stemmed from “inhumane” decisions.
“A vulnerable man, nearly blind and unable to communicate in English, was left out in the cold without any plan to ensure his safety,” Ryan said, denouncing U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their actions.
A CBP representative explained that they dropped Shah Alam off at a coffee shop after determining he entered the U.S. as a refugee and thus couldn’t be deported. They mentioned that a Border Patrol agent had offered him a ride, but he opted for the coffee shop instead, appearing fine and without any obvious needs.
Over the weekend, temperatures in Buffalo fell below freezing. Shah Alam had been arrested about a year ago following an incident that left two Buffalo police officers with minor injuries. After agreeing to a plea deal, he was released on bail just last week.
After his arrest, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement requested detainment of noncitizens post-release from criminal custody. Consequently, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office had contacted Border Patrol prior to Shah Alam’s release.
His son, Mohammad Faisal, mentioned that his father’s arrest was rooted in a misunderstanding. Shah Alam, who didn’t speak English, had been out walking and used a curtain rod as a makeshift cane. According to Faisal, he got lost and mistakenly entered someone’s property, leading to police involvement.
Faisal expressed frustration, stating that he and his family were not informed of where Shah Alam was dropped off after his release. He highlighted that his father was unable to read, write, or use electronic devices.
Ultimately, Faisal noted that Shah Alam longed for home-cooked meals and to be reunited with his family, who are reported to be Rohingya refugees from Arakan.
