Sen. Gounardes & AM Reyes: Refugee’s Death is a Tragedy—New York For All Could Have Prevented it

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FEBRUARY 26, 2026

New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Karines Reyes issued the following statement in response to the passing of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a nearly blind refugee who was dropped off alone outside a Buffalo coffee shop by Border Patrol after being detained for nearly a year:

“We’re disturbed—and frankly, outraged—to learn of Nurul Amin Shah Alam’s death. This tragedy did not have to happen. Border Patrol agents abandoned a nearly-blind refugee in the freezing cold after detaining him for nearly a year, in yet another example of the Trump Administration’s morally-depraved disregard for the safety and well-being of immigrants.

“The truth is, he never should have been in Border Patrol custody in the first place. He was arrested by local police after a misunderstanding, but the Erie County Sheriff’s Office handed him over to Border Patrol even though he was a refugee in the country legally.

“This is exactly what we’ve been warning: turning local police into Border Patrol’s lackeys makes us all less safe. Our ‘New York For All’ Act would prohibit that collusion, and draw a clear line between local policing and federal immigration enforcement. It’s never been more urgent that we finally pass this bill—lives are at stake.”

Background:

The New York For All Act (S.2235B/A.3506B) prohibits local law enforcement and state agencies from conspiring with ICE or participating in their cruelty. Under the law, ICE wouldn’t be able to use state or local resources for civil immigration enforcement, enter non-public areas of state and local property, or share sensitive information with ICE without a judicial warrant. And New Yorkers held in ICE custody would be given clear notice of their rights before being interviewed.

Press Contact:

Billy Richling

Communications Director

State Senator Andrew Gounardes

billy@senatorgounardes.nyc

Jasmine Elrafei

Communications Director

Assembly Member Karines Reyes, R.N.

jasmine.elrafei@gmail.com 

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