Refugee Found Dead After Border Patrol Drop-Off at Buffalo Doughnut Shop

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A 56-year-old refugee from Myanmar named Nurul Amin Shah Alam, who was nearly blind, was detained by U.S. Border Patrol agents on February 19 after his release from a county jail. Federal authorities determined he was not eligible for deportation and dropped him off at a doughnut shop in Buffalo, New York. Alam was later found dead on the street five days later, prompting a police investigation and complaints from city officials that he had been abandoned without care for his safety.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about how U.S. immigration authorities handle vulnerable individuals, especially those with disabilities, and whether proper protocols were followed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Alam after he was released from custody. It also highlights the challenges faced by refugees and immigrants, particularly those with special needs, when navigating the complex U.S. immigration system.

The details

Alam was detained by Border Patrol agents on February 19 after his release from a county jail, but was let go that same day after federal authorities determined he wasn't eligible for deportation. The agents then dropped Alam off at a doughnut shop in Buffalo, where he was later found dead on the street five days later. Police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding Alam's death, and city officials have expressed concerns that he was abandoned without proper care for his safety.

• Alam was detained by Border Patrol agents on February 19.
• Alam was released from custody and dropped off at a doughnut shop in Buffalo on February 19.
• Alam was found dead on the street five days later, on February 24.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Police in Buffalo are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Alam's death, including whether proper protocols were followed by Border Patrol agents when they released him.