Refugee Almost Blind Found Dead in Buffalo After Border Patrol Abandoned Him
A nearly blind Rohingya refugee was found dead in Buffalo after being abandoned by the Border Patrol, having been released without notifying his family or lawyer.
The tragic case involves Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a 56-year-old Rohingya refugee who was reportedly found dead in Buffalo, New York. He had been detained and subsequently released by Border Patrol, who left him at a Tim Horton's café without informing his family or legal representation about his release. This alarming situation raises serious questions about the treatment of vulnerable individuals within the immigration system.
After being released, Shah Alam was dropped off at a location approximately eight kilometers from his home, without any means of communication or support due to his inability to speak English and his visual impairment. He was later discovered deceased on the streets of Buffalo, highlighting the risks faced by refugees, particularly those with disabilities, who navigate an unfamiliar and often hostile environment after being released from detention. The local authorities confirmed the identification of Shah Alam and notified his family posthumously.
This incident sheds light on the broader challenges within immigration enforcement and the potential consequences for those who are left vulnerable after release. The Border Patrol's failure to provide for Shah Alam's safety or to connect him with family and legal resources points to critical gaps in the system that require urgent attention and reform to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.