A 56-year-old nearly-blind refugee from Myanmar, Nurul Amin Shah Alam, was found dead in upstate New York after being released from federal immigration custody. Shah Alam was dropped off at a coffee shop in Buffalo, miles from his home, by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on February 19, despite being unable to speak English and having no identification, according to reports.

The Department of Homeland Security claims Shah Alam showed “no signs of distress, mobility issues, or disabilities requiring special assistance” when released, but his family disputes this, saying he was vulnerable and needed care. Shah Alam’s cause of death has not been made public, and the Buffalo Police Department is investigating.

The incident has sparked outrage, with Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan calling the death “deeply disturbing” and demanding an investigation. New York Attorney General Letitia James is reviewing legal options, saying Shah Alam “fled genocide and came to this country in search of safety and opportunity”.

Shah Alam’s family says his arrest last year was due to a misunderstanding, and he’s a victim of circumstance. The case raises concerns over immigration practices and the treatment of vulnerable individuals.

Source: BBC News