Westfall: America Approaching Authoritarianism

Columnist warns of moral decay and government overreach, calls for change in November elections.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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In a scathing opinion piece, columnist Tom Westfall decries the state of America, citing a litany of recent events that he says illustrate the country's descent into a "cesspool of self-interest and lawlessness." Westfall highlights the case of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a Rohingya refugee who died after being dropped off in freezing temperatures by Border Patrol agents, as an example of government overreach and lack of accountability. Westfall warns that unless voters enact "positive change" in the November elections, the U.S. is headed for "long, dark time of human rights violations" and the "ultimate destruction of our country."

Why it matters

Westfall's column reflects growing concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and institutions in the U.S., with the Alam case serving as a high-profile example of alleged government misconduct and lack of accountability. The piece taps into broader debates around immigration policy, civil liberties, and the role of the federal government, underscoring the political divisions and sense of crisis felt by many Americans.

The details

Westfall's column focuses on several recent events that he says illustrate moral decay and government overreach in America, including the redacted Epstein files, alleged 4th Amendment violations by ICE agents, and the bombing of a school in an "unnecessary war." The centerpiece of the piece is the case of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a Rohingya refugee who died after being dropped off in freezing temperatures by Border Patrol agents near a closed restaurant in Buffalo, New York. Westfall says the agents lied about the circumstances of Alam's release, and that there will likely be no accountability for his death.

  • On February 19, Border Patrol agents dropped off Alam near a restaurant in Buffalo.
  • Alam was found dead five days later on February 24.

The players

Nurul Amin Shah Alam

A Rohingya refugee from Myanmar who spoke little English, was nearly blind, and walked with a cane. He died after being dropped off in freezing temperatures by Border Patrol agents.

Tom Westfall

The author of the opinion piece and a columnist who is warning of moral decay and government overreach in America.

Ryan

The mayor of Buffalo, who said that ICE officers "don't know what they're doing" and that the Border Patrol agents had no protocol for dealing with a disabled, non-English speaking man.

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What they’re saying

“The Border Patrol officers had no protocol for what to do with a disabled man who didn't speak English, was confused and lost.”

— Ryan, Mayor of Buffalo (journal-advocate.com)

What’s next

Westfall calls for voters to enact "positive change" in the November elections in order to alter the country's current trajectory towards authoritarianism and human rights violations.

The takeaway

Westfall's column reflects deep concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and institutions in the U.S., with the Alam case serving as a high-profile example of alleged government misconduct and lack of accountability. The piece underscores the political divisions and sense of crisis felt by many Americans, and the urgent need for reform to restore faith in the country's democratic system.