Near‑Blind Refugee Found Dead After Border Drop

A 56‑year‑old man from Myanmar, who was nearly blind, disappeared after U.S. Border Patrol released him at a doughnut shop in Buffalo on February 19. He had been taken into custody earlier that day, but federal officials determined he was not deportable and let him go. Five days later, police found his body on the street, prompting a full investigation.

Key Questions Raised

• Release Protocols: Border Patrol said the release followed standard procedures, yet critics argue that dropping a nearly blind person into an unfamiliar city is reckless.
• Local Oversight: City officials claim the man was abandoned without any safety measures or follow‑up care, exposing gaps in support for vulnerable migrants.
• Coordination Gaps: The case underscores the need for better coordination between federal and local agencies to ensure released refugees are monitored.

Investigation Focus

Investigators will examine:

• The chain of custody from arrest to release.
• Whether proper protocols were followed during the handoff.
• Potential negligence on either federal or local levels.

Implications

The outcome could reshape how released refugees are monitored and protected. The incident serves as a stark reminder that policies must safeguard those who rely on them; without proper safeguards, vulnerable individuals can quickly become lost and unsafe.