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Blind Refugee Found Dead in Buffalo After Border Patrol Drop-off, Sparking Investigation
A nearly blind refugee from Myanmar was found dead on a Buffalo street five days after U.S. Border Patrol agents left him at a doughnut shop, triggering a police investigation and fierce criticism from local officials.
Nurul Amin Shah Alam, 56, was detained by Border Patrol agents on February 19 following his release from Erie County jail, but was released the same day after federal authorities determined he wasn’t eligible for deportation. Agents dropped him at a Tim Hortons restaurant north of downtown Buffalo without notifying his family, who had been waiting for his release from jail.
Shah Alam’s lawyer reported him missing to Buffalo police on February 22 after learning he wasn’t in immigration detention. His body was discovered Tuesday night near Buffalo’s downtown sports arena, several miles from where he had been left. The circumstances surrounding his journey from the Tim Hortons to the location where he was found remain unclear.
The Erie County Department of Health stated Thursday that the medical examiner is still investigating the cause of death, contradicting earlier police statements that had ruled out exposure or homicide and deemed the death “health related.” Buffalo police detectives continue to investigate the events leading to Shah Alam’s death.
“We do not want his death to just go to waste,” said family spokesperson Khaleda Shah at Shah Alam’s funeral on Thursday. “We want his death to bring awareness to his community, his family, his community at large. We want his name, his story to be a voice for those who are still suffering.”
Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan condemned Border Patrol’s actions, calling them a “dereliction of duty” and “unprofessional and inhumane.” Ryan highlighted that Shah Alam was “nearly blind and unable to speak English” when left alone “on a cold winter night with no known attempt to leave him in a safe, secure location.” The mayor also noted Shah Alam had been wearing flimsy orange booties issued by the county holding center rather than proper winter footwear.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection defended their handling of the situation, stating agents “offered him a courtesy ride, which he chose to accept to a coffee shop, determined to be a warm, safe location near his last known address.” The agency claimed Shah Alam “showed no signs of distress, mobility issues, or disabilities requiring special assistance.”
During the days Shah Alam was missing, Buffalo experienced below-freezing temperatures and light snowfall, conditions particularly dangerous for a vulnerable individual.
Shah Alam had arrived in the United States with his wife and two children in December 2024 seeking better opportunities after previously working in construction in Malaysia for many years, according to Imran Fazal, founder of the Rohingya Empowerment Community who knows the family.
His interaction with law enforcement began a year ago when Buffalo police arrested him after an incident resulting in minor injuries to two officers. Prosecutors alleged he approached officers with two metal poles, leading to charges of assault, burglary, and criminal mischief.
Fazal described the arrest as a misunderstanding stemming from language barriers and cultural differences, explaining that Shah Alam had been seeking shelter from snow and required a cane to walk properly. On February 9, Shah Alam pleaded guilty to reduced charges of trespassing and weapon possession, with sentencing scheduled for March.
Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane said he offered the reduced plea “in the interest of justice,” partly to avoid the mandatory deportation that would have resulted from a felony conviction.
When Shah Alam’s family posted bail and went to the county jail on February 19 expecting his release, they were unaware that Border Patrol had placed an immigration detainer on him. Following standard procedure, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office notified federal authorities about his pending release.
According to Mayor Ryan, Shah Alam was initially taken to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, which declined to take him into custody.
Fazal called the situation “a complete failure of the system,” noting that despite searching for Shah Alam after learning about his drop-off at Tim Hortons, the family was unable to locate him.
The case has drawn attention from federal and state officials. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has demanded a full accounting of Border Patrol agents’ actions, while New York Attorney General Letitia James announced her office is reviewing legal options.
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11 Comments
This is an appalling case that demands accountability. Border Patrol agents should not have abandoned a vulnerable individual in such a callous manner. Thorough reforms are needed to uphold the dignity and wellbeing of all people in custody.
Agreed, this is a complete breakdown of the system that failed this refugee. Rigorous oversight and training are clearly required to prevent such egregious lapses in the future.
Deeply troubling incident. Leaving a vulnerable refugee alone at a doughnut shop is a shocking dereliction of duty. A full investigation is warranted to understand the breakdown in protocol and implement robust safeguards to prevent such tragedies in the future.
This is a devastating story. It’s unacceptable that a nearly blind refugee was dropped off alone at a doughnut shop and subsequently found dead. Proper protocols and support services need to be in place to ensure the welfare of vulnerable individuals in these situations.
Absolutely. The fact that his family was not even notified is incredibly troubling. Fundamental changes are clearly needed to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
Tragic situation. It’s deeply concerning that a vulnerable refugee was essentially abandoned by authorities and ultimately found dead. Policies and procedures around detainee transfers and releases need to be closely examined to prevent such heartbreaking outcomes.
Agreed, this case highlights significant failures in the system that deserve thorough investigation and reform. The dignity and safety of all individuals in custody must be the top priority.
How tragic and disturbing. A nearly blind refugee left alone at a doughnut shop, only to be found dead days later. This is a harrowing example of the need for greater compassion, care, and proper procedures when dealing with vulnerable individuals in custody.
Deeply saddened to read about this. Leaving a nearly blind refugee alone at a doughnut shop is a shocking failure of care and responsibility. A full investigation is warranted to understand what went wrong and ensure better safeguards are implemented.
Devastating news. That a nearly blind refugee could be abandoned by authorities and end up dead is a damning indictment of the system. A thorough investigation must be conducted, and comprehensive reforms implemented to ensure the safety and dignity of all detainees.
Absolutely. This is an unacceptable failure that demands accountability. Fundamental changes are clearly needed to uphold the basic human rights of those in custody.