The death of a nearly blind Rohingya refugee from Myanmar, Nurul Amin Shah Alam, in New York has triggered a major row as border patrol agents left him near a coffee shop, did not inform his family and he was found dead. The 56-year-old Alam spoke little English and was nearly blind. He was in jail much of the previous year waiting for his trial on criminal charges that were ultimately resolved. The administration initially decided that he would be removed from the country after he is discharged and hence the US Border Patrol was informed. But border agents determined that he was not fit for removal as he entered the US as a refugee on December 24, 2024.
Border Patrol agents offered him a ride and dropped him at the coffee shop which was a safe and warm location near his last known address. The CBP, coming under fire, after Alam's mysterious death, said Alam at that time showed no signs of distress, mobility issues or disabilities.
