US: Blind refugee found dead after release from CBP custody
Deutsche Welle
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A blind Rohingya refugee, Nurul Amin Shah Alam, was found dead in Buffalo, New York, after being released by US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents who dropped him off miles from his home late at night without notifying his family or lawyer. Temperatures in the area had been well below freezing for weeks, contributing to his death. CBP claimed they offered him a ride to a nearby Tim Horton's donut shop, which they deemed a safe location, but Shah Alam's condition as a blind and illiterate individual made him particularly vulnerable.
Shah Alam was arrested earlier this year after a misunderstanding where he wandered onto someone's property while lost. He was tasered and beaten by police when he didn't drop a curtain rod used as a walking stick. After spending months in custody, he was released on bail following a plea deal. However, CBP agents failed to ensure his safety upon release, leaving him alone in freezing temperatures with no assistance.
Buffalo's mayor criticized the decision as "inhumane," highlighting Shah Alam's vulnerability and lack of support from authorities. His death has sparked outrage over the treatment of refugees and the potential dangers faced by those released without proper aid. This incident underscores broader concerns about the conditions and safeguards for refugees in US immigration detention facilities, particularly those with disabilities or vulnerabilities.
The case raises critical questions about the responsibilities of CBP and ICE in ensuring the safety of individuals they release. It also sheds light on the challenges faced by refugees like Shah Alam, who are often at higher risk due to their lack of resources and understanding of the system. His death serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of inadequate support systems for vulnerable migrants.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/26/2026