Buffalo refugee's death after CBP drop-off at coffee shop prompts review

A nearly blind Rohingya refugee named Shah Alam was released from Erie County jail and dropped off by U.S. Border Patrol at a Buffalo coffee shop; five days later his body was found four miles away. The Erie County Medical Examiner ruled the death health-related, with homicide and exposure ruled out, prompting an investigation and broad criticism from Buffalo officials who called the handling “deeply disturbing.” CBP says Alam, a refugee, was not amenable to removal and that he accepted a courtesy ride to a warm location; officials are examining the circumstances surrounding his release and death.