Full Breakdown
Homicide Ruling in Death of Rohingya Refugee Nurul Amin Shah Alam
4/4/2026, 12:54:29 PM
Circumstances Surrounding Shah Alam's Death
Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a 56-year-old Rohingya refugee from Myanmar, was found dead on February 24, 2025, five days after U.S. Border Patrol agents dropped him off outside a closed Tim Hortons coffee shop in Buffalo, New York. The Erie County Medical Examiner's Office ruled his death a homicide, attributing it to "complications of a perforated duodenal ulcer precipitated by hypothermia and dehydration." This designation indicates that his death resulted from the actions or inactions of another, although it does not imply criminal intent.
Shah Alam, who was nearly blind and spoke limited English, had been in the U.S. for just over two months after fleeing violence in Myanmar. He had spent a year in jail following an incident in which he was arrested for trespassing and assaulting police officers, a situation his family claims arose from a misunderstanding. After being released from jail on February 19, he was taken into Border Patrol custody, where agents determined he was not eligible for deportation. Instead of being returned to a safe environment, he was offered a "courtesy ride" to the coffee shop, which was deemed a warm location near his last known address.
Official Statements & Responses
New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated that "every individual involved in the death of Mr. Shah Alam must be held fully accountable," emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz echoed this sentiment, describing the circumstances of Shah Alam's death as preventable and deeply disturbing. New York Attorney General Letitia James remarked, "Mr. Shah Alam fled genocide to build a life in this country. Instead, he was abandoned and left to suffer alone in his final hours."
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have denied responsibility, asserting that Shah Alam showed no signs of distress when he was released. A CBP spokesperson stated, "This death had NOTHING to do with Border Patrol," emphasizing that Shah Alam died almost a week after his release.
Criticism & Opposition
The incident has sparked outrage among advocates and community members, particularly within Buffalo's Rohingya community. Critics argue that Shah Alam's treatment reflects systemic failures in the immigration system, with calls for accountability directed at CBP for leaving a vulnerable individual in a dangerous situation. Murad Awawdeh, president of the New York Immigration Coalition, stated, "Every single person who was involved must be held responsible."
Local officials and advocates have described the actions of Border Patrol as "unprofessional and inhumane," highlighting the negligence in failing to ensure Shah Alam's safety after his release.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the medical examiner's report classified Shah Alam's death as a homicide, it did not assign specific responsibility for the actions leading to his death. The investigation by the Erie County District Attorney's Office is ongoing, with officials stating that it would be inappropriate to comment further on the specifics of the case until all evidence is reviewed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This tragedy was entirely preventable, and it reflects a serious failure in the systems meant to protect vulnerable people,” — Imran Fazal, Rohingya Empowerment Community
- “No New Yorker should be treated this way.” — Letitia James, New York Attorney General
- “The death was one that we believe could have been prevented.” — Mark Poloncarz, Erie County Executive
- “On his dying bed, I couldn’t even see him,” — Fatimah Abdul Roshid, Shah Alam’s widow
The death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam has raised significant concerns regarding the treatment of refugees and the responsibilities of immigration authorities in the United States.
