Near-Blind Rohingya Refugee Found Dead in Buffalo After Release by US Border Patrol

BUFFALO, N.Y. – A 56-year-old Rohingya refugee from Myanmar was found dead in Buffalo days after being released from custody and left miles from his home by U.S. Border Patrol agents, prompting calls for an investigation and criticism from local officials.

Nurul Amin Shah Alam, described by his family as nearly blind, had been missing since February 19. Authorities confirmed that his body was discovered Tuesday evening in Buffalo, a city near the Canadian border where temperatures had fallen below freezing over the weekend.

According to relatives, Shah Alam was originally from Rakhine state in Myanmar and had resettled in the United States as a refugee. Family members said he had significant vision impairment, could not read or write, and did not speak English.

Dropped Off After Jail Release

Shah Alam had been held in a county jail for nearly a year following what his family described as a misunderstanding. Police had been called after he wandered onto private property while carrying a curtain rod that he reportedly used as a walking stick due to his limited vision. According to his son, Mohamad Faisal, Shah Alam did not understand officers’ instructions to drop the object because they were delivered in English.

He was later released after a misdemeanor plea agreement and transferred into the custody of the United States Border Patrol.

Family members said they were not informed where he would be taken following his release. Authorities have stated that agents dropped him off at a coffee shop, describing it as a warm and safe location near his last known address. A spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Shah Alam had accepted what was described as a courtesy ride and showed no visible signs of distress or mobility issues requiring special assistance.

Local Officials Condemn Decision

Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan criticized the handling of the case, calling the death preventable. He described the decision to leave a vulnerable individual alone on a winter night as inhumane and unprofessional.

Several members of Congress also called for further review of the circumstances surrounding Shah Alam’s release. Representative Grace Meng described the incident as a serious breach of responsibility and basic humanity.

Investigation Underway

The Buffalo Police Department has confirmed that homicide detectives are investigating the death. Authorities have not yet released an official cause.

Shah Alam’s funeral was held Thursday in Buffalo, where members of the local community gathered to pay their respects.

His death comes amid heightened scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement policies under President Donald Trump. Advocacy groups have raised concerns about detention conditions and post-release procedures, particularly for vulnerable individuals.

Family members say Shah Alam’s only wish after his release was to return home, share a meal with his family, and reunite with loved ones. Instead, they are now seeking answers about the circumstances that led to his death.