DHS Defends Abandoning Blind Refugee Who Died in Snow

Agency claims the man showed no signs of distress or disability despite being dropped off miles from home.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has defended its actions after a blind refugee from Burma, Nurul Amin Shah Alam, was found dead in the snow in Buffalo, New York. DHS claims its agents offered Alam a "courtesy ride" to a coffee shop near his home, and that he "showed no signs of distress, mobility issues, or disabilities requiring special assistance." However, critics have raised several questions about the agency's handling of the situation, including how Alam was expected to get home in the snow without money or a phone, and why police or his family were not notified.

Why it matters

This incident highlights concerns about the treatment of vulnerable refugees and immigrants by federal immigration authorities. The death of Alam, who was reportedly blind, raises questions about the DHS's ability to properly assess and accommodate the needs of individuals in its custody, especially those with disabilities or limited mobility.

The details

According to reports, DHS agents dropped off Alam, a blind refugee from Burma, at a doughnut shop that was 5 miles away from his home. Buffalo police later found Alam dead in the snow. DHS has defended its actions, claiming that Alam "showed no signs of distress, mobility issues, or disabilities requiring special assistance." However, critics have pointed out that it's unclear how Alam, who presumably had no phone or money, was expected to get home safely through the snow.

  • On February 24, 2026, DHS agents dropped off Nurul Amin Shah Alam at a doughnut shop 5 miles from his home.
  • On February 26, 2026, Buffalo police found Alam's body in the snow.

The players

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement and border security.

Nurul Amin Shah Alam

A blind refugee from Burma who was found dead in the snow after being dropped off by DHS agents.

Ian Ott

A spokesperson for Buffalo City Hall.

Nicholas Kristof

A columnist for The New York Times who followed up with questions about the incident.

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What they’re saying

“Our agents confirmed that Mr. Shah Alam entered the United States as a refugee on December 24, 2024, and was not amenable to removal. Border Patrol agents offered him a courtesy ride, which he chose to accept to a coffee shop, determined to be a warm, safe location near his last known address, rather than be released directly from the Border Patrol station. He showed no signs of distress, mobility issues, or disabilities requiring special assistance.”

— Department of Homeland Security

“1. How did your agents determine that Mr. Shah Alam wanted to be dropped off at the coffee shop, since he did not speak English? 2. Since Mr. Shah Alam presumably had no phone or money, how did the agents expect him to get home through 5 miles of snow? 3. What did they expect him to do when the coffee shop closed? 4. How did they determine that a blind man needing a cane had no "mobility issues or disabilities"? 5. In the circumstances, why not notify the police or his family rather than dump him 5 miles from home? 6. Have you verified your information any better than when you declared that Alex Pretti and Renee Good were domestic terrorists?”

— Nicholas Kristof, Columnist, The New York Times (X)

What’s next

The Buffalo Police Department is investigating Alam's death as a homicide, and it remains to be seen whether any charges will be brought against the DHS agents involved.

The takeaway

This tragic incident raises serious concerns about the DHS's treatment of vulnerable immigrants and refugees, particularly those with disabilities or limited mobility. It highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability within the agency to ensure the humane and responsible handling of individuals in its custody.