Nearly Blind Refugee Found Dead After Border Patrol Drops Him Off Miles From Home Without Notifying His Family

A 56-year-old Burmese refugee, nearly blind and recently released from US custody, has been found dead in Buffalo, New York. This is after border patrol agents dropped him off approximately five miles from his home without informing his family or legal representatives.

According to The Guardian, Nurul Amin Shah Alam had been missing since 19 February, when he was released from the Erie County holding centre.

City officials confirmed that homicide detectives are now examining the circumstances surrounding his death, particularly the decisions made following his release. The case has prompted urgent questions about border patrol procedures and the treatment of vulnerable detainees.

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, representing Shah Alam, expressed profound sadness at his death. However, he stated that the organisation is ethically constrained from providing further details at this stage.

The case has attracted attention because Shah Alam was nearly blind. People are also concerned that neither his family nor his lawyer was told when he was released. This has raised questions about how well authorities protect detainees who have special needs.

Circumstances Leading Up to His Death

Shah Alam had been in the Erie County holding centre for about a year. He had been arrested in 2025 after getting lost while walking. He used a curtain rod as a walking aid and ended up on a woman's porch. Police told him to put the rod down. According to his lawyer, he did not, and officers tasered and restrained him.

Following his release on bail, Shah Alam was transferred into border patrol custody.

On 19 February, agents released him at a Tim Hortons around five miles from his residence. Neither his family nor his legal representatives were notified of the release. The lack of communication meant that Shah Alam, who was visually impaired, was left to find his way in unfamiliar streets alone.

City officials, through a spokesperson, Ian Ott, confirmed that homicide detectives are reviewing the timeline and conditions surrounding his death.

The investigation is focused on both the release procedures and the potential risks posed by releasing a vulnerable individual without support.

Although Nurul Amin Shah Alam was a legal refugee, US Border Patrol took him into custody because ICE had issued an immigration detainer while he was in Erie County jail. A detainer asks federal authorities to take someone into immigration custody after their criminal case ends.

Border Patrol picked him up when he was released on bail but did not place him in long-term detention. They said he was offered a 'courtesy ride' and went to a nearby coffee shop, showing no signs of distress.

Family Devastated

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo noted their distress over Shah Alam's death, emphasising the unusual vulnerability of clients with disabilities when standard procedures fail. They acknowledged multiple inquiries but cited ethical obligations that prevent further commentary while the investigation is ongoing.

Michael Niezgoda, spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection, the parent agency overseeing border patrol did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

Shah Alam arrived in Buffalo 15 months ago, in December 2024, and is survived by his wife and two sons. Friends and family have expressed shock and grief over his sudden death, noting that he relied heavily on routine and support due to his near blindness.

Can the Family Press Charges?

Several types of charges or legal actions could be considered in this case.

If investigators find that border patrol agents acted recklessly or ignored the safety of Shah Alam, there could be civil lawsuits for negligence or wrongful death. This would mean the government or specific officers could be held responsible for not ensuring his safety.

Criminal charges are less likely unless there is evidence that someone deliberately endangered him. Investigators could also look into violations of policies regarding the treatment of detainees, especially those with disabilities.