By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Surveillance footage obtained by the Investigative Post contradicts the Department of Homeland Security’s claim that Border Patrol agents dropped Nurul Shah Alam, a nearly blind Rohingya refugee, at a “warm, safe location.” The video shows agents leaving Shah Alam in the parking lot of a closed Tim Hortons on a winter evening, with no apparent attempt to ensure his safety or ability to access the establishment. Shah Alam, who spoke no English and had significant vision impairment, was found dead days later after wandering the city, with his family and lawyers unaware of his release location.
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The claim by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that a nearly blind Rohingya refugee was dropped off at a “warm, safe location” in Buffalo, New York, following his release from jail appears to be severely contradicted by surveillance footage. This footage, captured on a cold winter evening, shows a white van pulling up to a Tim Hortons shortly after 8 PM. The individual identified as Nurul Shah Alam, a 56-year-old man with significant visual impairments and no English proficiency, is seen exiting the van.
The critical element here is that the Tim Hortons in question had already closed for the night, with only the drive-thru remaining operational. The video evidence suggests that Border Patrol agents made no discernible effort to confirm if the location was indeed accessible or safe for Shah Alam, who was reliant on a walking stick and had limited vision in one eye. The entire interaction, from the van’s arrival to Shah Alam’s departure from it, lasted less than a minute. This starkly contrasts with the DHS’s assertion that he was brought to a place where he could find warmth and shelter.
The official statement from Border Patrol claimed that agents offered Shah Alam a “courtesy ride” to a coffee shop that was “determined to be a warm, safe location near his last known address.” Furthermore, they stated that he showed “no signs of distress, mobility issues, or disabilities requiring special assistance.” This narrative is directly challenged by the visual evidence and the circumstances surrounding his release. The fact that the Tim Hortons was closed, coupled with Shah Alam’s profound communication and visual barriers, raises serious questions about the agents’ diligence and intent.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the agents apparently did not inform Shah Alam’s wife, children, or legal counsel about his drop-off. This lack of communication leaves a significant void in understanding his immediate post-release circumstances. The statement from a spokesperson for Refugees International succinctly captures the discrepancy: “They mean they abandoned him in the parking lot of a closed Tim Hortons in the middle of a winter evening in Buffalo.” This points towards a deliberate misleading of facts, suggesting a pattern of deception.
The stark reality is that Shah Alam was found dead on a Buffalo street days after his release, during a period of subfreezing temperatures. The timeline and location of his drop-off, as evidenced by the footage, suggest a potential failure in the duty of care owed to a vulnerable individual. The descriptions of the incident evoke a sense of profound neglect and callousness, particularly given the victim’s disabilities and inability to navigate a complex situation independently.
The harsh conditions of a Buffalo winter evening at 8:18 PM cannot be understated. To be left in a deserted parking lot, especially for someone with significant visual impairments and language barriers, is far from a “warm, safe location.” The implication is that the agents prioritized expedience over the well-being of the individual in their charge. This raises serious ethical and legal concerns about the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers within the immigration system.
The events described resonate with chilling accounts of “starlight tours” in other contexts, where individuals have been allegedly abandoned in remote or dangerous locations during extreme weather. The narrative of being left to face the elements alone, without means of communication or assistance, paints a grim picture of human vulnerability and potential institutional indifference. It underscores the importance of thorough investigations into such incidents to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies.
The core of the issue lies in the stark contradiction between the official narrative and the available evidence. The DHS claim of providing a safe haven appears to be a disingenuous attempt to gloss over what observers describe as abandonment in a dangerous environment. The failure to ensure his safety, the lack of communication with his family, and the timing of his release all contribute to a disturbing picture that demands a comprehensive and transparent inquiry. The question of criminal negligence, or even homicide, arises directly from the failure to uphold a basic duty of care, leaving a vulnerable individual to face dire consequences.