Blind Refugee Found Dead After Border Patrol Dropped Him Off Miles From Home

Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a Rohingya refugee, was released from custody and left stranded by Border Patrol agents, leading to his tragic death.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A blind Rohingya refugee named Nurul Amin Shah Alam was found dead in Buffalo, New York after U.S. Border Patrol agents dropped him off at a doughnut shop miles away from his home, leaving him with no means to get back. Shah Alam, who spoke little English, had been arrested for trespassing and possession of a weapon (a curtain rod he was using as a walking stick) and was released from custody after pleading guilty to the charges. However, instead of ensuring he could safely return home, Border Patrol agents abandoned him at a doughnut shop 5 miles from his residence, leading to his tragic death.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the inhumane treatment of vulnerable immigrants and refugees by U.S. Border Patrol, who failed in their duty of care and contributed to the death of a disabled man who posed no threat. It raises serious questions about the policies and practices of Border Patrol when dealing with detainees, especially those with special needs or limited mobility.

The details

According to the report, Shah Alam, a 56-year-old Rohingya refugee from Burma, was originally arrested by Buffalo police after wandering into someone else's home accidentally due to his blindness. He was charged with trespassing and possession of a weapon (the curtain rod he used as a walking stick). After pleading guilty to the charges, the immigration detainer holding him was lifted, and the Erie County Sheriff's Office contacted U.S. Border Patrol prior to his release. Instead of ensuring Shah Alam could safely return home, Border Patrol agents dropped him off at a doughnut shop 5 miles away, leaving him stranded with no means to get back. His body was later found by police on a street in Buffalo.

  • On February 19, Shah Alam was released from custody at the Erie County Holding Center after posting bail.
  • On February 22, Shah Alam's body was found by B District officers in Buffalo after they responded to a call for a dead body on the first block of Perry Street shortly after 8:30 p.m.

The players

Nurul Amin Shah Alam

A 56-year-old blind Rohingya refugee from Burma who was found dead in Buffalo after being abandoned by Border Patrol agents.

U.S. Border Patrol

The federal law enforcement agency that took custody of Shah Alam and then dropped him off miles away from his home, contributing to his tragic death.

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What they’re saying

“In response to an immigration detainer that had been placed on him, the Erie County Sheriff's Office contacted U.S. Border Patrol prior to his release, according to spokesperson Christopher Horvatits.”

— Christopher Horvatits, Spokesperson, Erie County Sheriff's Office (Investigative Post)

What’s next

The Buffalo Police Department and U.S. Border Patrol are conducting investigations into the circumstances surrounding Shah Alam's death and the actions of the Border Patrol agents involved.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for greater accountability and oversight of U.S. Border Patrol's treatment of vulnerable immigrants and refugees in their custody. It highlights the devastating consequences that can occur when basic standards of care and compassion are disregarded, and serves as a call to reform policies and practices to prevent such preventable deaths in the future.