Statement from the American Council of the Blind on the Death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam

Statement from the American Council of the Blind on the Death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam
March 2, 2026

The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is deeply saddened by the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a Rohingya refugee who was blind and died in Buffalo, New York, shortly after his release from federal custody.

People who are blind or have low vision, like all people with disabilities, deserve to be treated with dignity and provided reasonable accommodations in their interactions with government agencies. Serious questions remain about the circumstances surrounding Mr. Shah Alam’s death, including whether his disability and communication needs were appropriately considered at each stage.

ACB urges a full and transparent investigation into what occurred, with particular attention to how disability-related needs were addressed. That review should identify clear steps to help prevent similar tragedies in the future and ensure that policies and practices fully protect the rights and safety of people with disabilities, including those who are blind or have low vision.

For information about reasonable accommodations and the rights of people with disabilities in interactions with immigration enforcement, refer to: https://www.ice.gov/leadership/ocrc/disability-access#main-content