Blind Refugee Found Dead Days After Border Patrol Dropped Him Off Alone

Nurul Amin Shah Alam's death in Buffalo, New York has sparked outrage and an investigation into the circumstances of his final days.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The death of a nearly blind refugee in Buffalo, New York, days after Border Patrol agents dropped him off at a coffee shop alone, has prompted an investigation into the circumstances of his final days and drawn sharp criticism from the mayor, who called the incident 'deeply disturbing.' Nurul Amin Shah Alam, 56, who spoke little English, had been missing since February 19, when the agents left him at the shop shortly after he was released from the Erie County jail. His body was found five days later, around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, about four miles from the coffee shop.

Why it matters

This incident has raised concerns about the treatment of vulnerable refugees by immigration authorities, with the mayor calling the decision to leave Shah Alam alone 'unprofessional and inhumane.' It also highlights the challenges faced by refugees, particularly those with language and mobility barriers, when navigating the criminal justice and immigration systems.

The details

According to officials, Shah Alam, a refugee from Myanmar, had spent much of the previous year in custody awaiting trial on criminal charges that were ultimately resolved with a misdemeanor plea deal. As his discharge from jail was being processed, deputies notified US Border Patrol, which had earlier placed him under an immigration detainer. Border Patrol agents then arrived and determined Shah Alam had entered the US as a refugee in 2024 and 'was not amenable to removal.' The agents offered him a ride to a coffee shop near his last known address, which he accepted, but he was left there alone despite his vulnerabilities.

  • On February 19, 2026, Border Patrol agents dropped Shah Alam off at a coffee shop in Buffalo, New York.
  • On February 24, 2026, Shah Alam's body was found around 8:30 p.m., about four miles from the coffee shop.

The players

Nurul Amin Shah Alam

A 56-year-old refugee from Myanmar who was nearly blind and spoke little English.

Sean Ryan

The mayor of Buffalo, New York, who called the incident 'deeply disturbing' and 'unprofessional and inhumane.'

Mohamad Faisal

Shah Alam's son, who said his father did not read, write or use electronic devices.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

The federal agency that had placed an immigration detainer on Shah Alam and later dropped him off at a coffee shop alone.

Erie County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that notified CBP of Shah Alam's release from custody.

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What they’re saying

“A vulnerable man – nearly blind and unable to speak English – was left alone on a cold winter night with no known attempt to leave him in a safe, secure location. That decision from US Customs and Border Protection was unprofessional and inhumane.”

— Sean Ryan, Mayor of Buffalo (CNN)

“Nobody told me or my family or attorney where my dad was dropped off.”

— Mohamad Faisal, Son of Nurul Amin Shah Alam (Reuters)

What’s next

The Buffalo Police Department and the Erie County Medical Examiner are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Shah Alam's death.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability in the treatment of vulnerable refugees by immigration authorities, as well as the importance of ensuring their safety and well-being when released from custody.