US Muslim group demands probe into death of blind Rohingya refugee abandoned by border patrol

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and its New York chapter demanded a transparent investigation Thursday into the death of a nearly-blind Rohingya refugee in Buffalo, New York, who allegedly was abandoned miles from his home by US Border Patrol agents after being released from custody. Nurul Amin Shah Alam's body was found after he had been missing since February 19.

Circumstances of Death

According to CAIR, Shah Alam had been in custody awaiting trial on charges that were resolved with a misdemeanor plea deal stemming from what was described as a misunderstanding with police after he became lost and wandered onto private property. He reportedly did not understand commands to drop a curtain rod he was using as a walking stick. CAIR's statement expressed outrage that "border patrol agents would release a nearly-blind refugee in an unfamiliar area without ensuring his safety and well-being," calling for federal authorities to investigate the incident and their agents' conduct.

Lawmakers Demand Answers

Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Grace Meng and Rep. Tim Kennedy issued a separate statement expressing outrage, saying: "U.S. Border Patrol agents left a man who was nearly blind, unable to speak English, and living with serious medical conditions miles from his home without notifying his family." They called the decision "a profound failure of duty and basic human decency that cost a man his life" and demanded "a full and thorough investigation into why this happened."

Calls for Independent Investigation

CAIR urged New York State Police to work with the Buffalo Police Department to conduct a thorough and independent investigation, noting that local law enforcement "must not wait for and rely on a federal probe given the Trump administration's failure to prosecute immigration agents for their abuse in various cities." Extending condolences to Shah Alam's family and the Rohingya community, CAIR urged "community leaders and elected officials to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again."