Near-blind Rohingya refugee dies after US agents left him far from home
Al Jazeera
February 26, 2026
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A nearly blind Rohingya refugee from Myanmar, Nurul Amin Shah Alam, died in Buffalo, New York, after being dropped off miles from his home by U.S. Border Patrol agents following his release from county jail. Authorities found his body on February 21, days after he was left at a coffee shop near the Canadian border in freezing temperatures. The incident has sparked outrage, with local officials and politicians calling it an "inhumane" decision by federal authorities.
Shah Alam, 56, had limited English proficiency and could not read or write due to his impaired vision. He was arrested after wandering onto private property while carrying a curtain rod as a makeshift walking stick. After spending nearly a year in jail on a misdemeanor charge, he was released but left without any support in a cold, unfamiliar area. His family, Rohingya refugees themselves, were unaware of his whereabouts until his body was found.
The case has drawn attention to the treatment of vulnerable immigrants in U.S. custody and the broader implications of the Trump administration's immigration policies. Shah Alam’s death is being investigated as a homicide, with many questioning the federal authorities' decision-making. His story highlights the dangers faced by refugees seeking safety in the U.S., particularly those who are elderly or have disabilities.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Rohingya refugees globally and the need for humane treatment in immigration enforcement. Shah Alam’s death is seen as a tragic example of the risks endured by displaced individuals attempting to rebuild their lives in new countries.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/26/2026