Washington, D.C. (WBEN) - Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced tough questions from Democrats and some Republicans during a hearing in front of the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.
Noem was asked about the death of Nural Amin Shah Alam. The nearly blind Rohingya refugee was found dead in Buffalo last week, after he was dropped off by Border Patrol agents.
There was a tense exchange between New York Congressman Jerry Nadler and Noem regarding a decision by Border Patrol to drop off Shah Alam at a closed Tim Horton's restaurant on Niagara Street in Buffalo on February 19.
There were bitter cold conditions at the time and Shah Alam was not wearing shoes. He was found dead five days later near KeyBank Center downtown.
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Nadler repeatedly asked the Secretary about accountability.
Nadler: "Erie County is currently mounting an investigation. Will you, at the very least, commit today that the DHS will cooperate with the investigation by local authorities into Mr. Shah Alam's death? Yes or no?"
Noem: "Which case are you talking about sir?"
Nadler: "Shah Alam, the one who was released."
Noem: "We willl certainly look at tha,t but I want you to know that the investigation..." (interrupted).
Nadler: "Will you cooperate with the local authorities? Yes or no?
Noem: "I don't conduct the investigations that are outside of the umbrella of ICE and CBP."
Nadler: "I'll take that as a no."
Noem did say the Department of Homeland Security does have a review process to make sure that all protocols were followed.
Buffalo Police and the Ere County Sheriff's Office continue to investigate Shah Alam's death.
Shah Amin's cause of death has not been released.