Summary
A refugee from Myanmar named Nurul Amin Shah Alam, who was nearly blind and did not speak English, was found dead in New York days after being released by U.S. immigration authorities. He was left at a coffee shop by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) without notifying his family or providing special assistance, and police are investigating the circumstances of his death. His family was not informed about his release location, and his absence was reported by his lawyer as he had no identification.
Key Facts
- Nurul Amin Shah Alam was a refugee from Myanmar and was nearly blind and unable to speak English.
- He was found dead in Buffalo, New York, after being released from U.S. immigration custody.
- Shah Alam was dropped off by CBP at a closed coffee shop in cold weather conditions.
- The Buffalo Police Department is investigating his death, which occurred about 6 miles from where he was last seen.
- Before his death, he had been in police custody for a year related to an incident with police officers.
- Shah Alam’s family was not notified of his release location or time.
- CBP stated they released him as he could not be legally deported as a refugee.
- The local mayor called his death disturbing and questioned the actions of federal authorities.
