DHS Defends Actions After Blind Immigrant's Death in Buffalo

Refugee Nurul Amin Shah Alam found dead days after being released by Border Patrol

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has responded to backlash over the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a 56-year-old Rohingya refugee who was nearly blind and died in downtown Buffalo, New York, days after being released into the care of U.S. Border Patrol. DHS claims Border Patrol agents offered Shah Alam a "courtesy ride" to a coffee shop, but critics and civil rights groups allege widespread issues with federal immigration enforcement efforts.

Why it matters

Immigration enforcement efforts nationwide, and especially in Minneapolis, have come under heightened scrutiny following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents. Critics and civil rights groups have filed lawsuits alleging warrantless arrests, excessive force and constitutional violations related to various federal immigration operations.

The details

DHS said Border Patrol agents offered Shah Alam, who was completely blind in one eye and had blurry vision in the other, a ride to a coffee shop near his last known address after he was released from the Erie County Holding Center on bail. However, his family and lawyer were not notified, and he was left alone at the Tim Hortons cafe about 5 miles from his home. The Erie County Medical Examiner later determined his death was "health-related in nature" and not due to exposure or homicide.

  • On February 19, Shah Alam was in custody of the Buffalo Police Department.
  • On February 19, Border Patrol agents took Shah Alam from the Erie County Holding Center following his release on bail.

The players

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The U.S. federal executive department responsible for public security, including immigration enforcement.

Nurul Amin Shah Alam

A 56-year-old Rohingya refugee who was nearly blind and died in downtown Buffalo, New York, days after being released into the care of U.S. Border Patrol.

Benjamin Macaluso

The attorney representing Nurul Amin Shah Alam.

Sean M. Ryan

The mayor of Buffalo, New York.

Grace Meng

A Democratic U.S. Representative from New York.

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What they’re saying

“The preventable death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam is deeply disturbing and a dereliction of duty by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 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 U.S. Customs and Border Protection was unprofessional and inhumane.”

— Sean M. Ryan, Buffalo Mayor (Press Statement)

“I am disturbed by the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam in Buffalo. Leaving a nearly blind man who didn't speak English stranded far from home without telling his family was a shocking breach of responsibility and basic humanity by federal enforcement. There must be a full investigation and real accountability from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.”

— Grace Meng, U.S. Representative (X)

What’s next

Representative Tim Kennedy has urged New York Attorney General Letitia James to open an investigation into Shah Alam's death, calling for a review of release and transfer protocols for vulnerable individuals from law enforcement custody.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of vulnerable immigrants by federal authorities, with calls for greater accountability and reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.