U.S. Rep. Tim Kennedy is renewing his calls for an “immediate and comprehensive” federal investigation into the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a blind, disabled Burmese refugee who was found dead in downtown Buffalo in late February, just days after he was reported missing by his family.
Kennedy sent an oversight letter to newly-confirmed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
“The tragic death of Mr. Shah Alam demands answers and a thorough federal investigation,” said Kennedy. “A man who fled persecution, who was nearly blind and unable to communicate in English, was abandoned in the dead of winter to fend for himself. While there is a new Secretary at DHS, this tragedy underscores a deeper, systemic culture of cruelty that cannot be ignored. I will not relent in demanding accountability from this administration, including Secretary Mullin, until we have a complete accounting of what happened and clear assurances that no family will ever have to endure such a preventable loss again.”
Late last month, Shah Alam was released from sheriff’s custody on bond and was then picked up by Border Patrol agents at the county holding center. Immigration officials found Alam was not “amenable to removal” and released him, dropping him off at a Tim Hortons parking lot with no shoes.
Border Patrol officials say they offered the 56-year-old a “courtesy ride” to the coffee shop, which was his choice, noting it was a warm and safe location near his known address.
Shah Alam was found dead a six-and-a-half-mile drive away from that coffee shop. The medical examiner has not yet released the cause of death.
“In the aftermath of Mr. Shah Alam’s death, members of Congress sent letters to your predecessor, Secretary Kristi Noem, urging the Department to conduct a full and transparent investigation to address inconsistencies surrounding DHS’s account of the death and provide justice for the Shah Alam family,” the letter continued. “However, to date, DHS has not provided Members of Congress with the requested information about the case, nor have they initiated an investigation into a preventable death. In light of these glaring discrepancies and to begin to establish trust in communities across the country, it is essential that DHS commit to a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Shah Alam’s death. To that end, I respectfully urge you to provide answers to Mr. Shah Alam’s family, the American people, and the thousands of refugees who call the United States home.”
Kennedy has also secured a state-level inquiry from New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has also said she believes there should be a full investigation.