US EditionBuffalo mayor blames Border Patrol for death of vulnerable man released in cold
Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a partially blind Rohingya refugee, died days after Border Patrol dropped him at a coffee shop far from home without notifying family or lawyer, police said.
- On Feb. 19, 2026 Border Patrol van dropped Nurul Shah Alam outside a Tim Hortons, and his body was found five days later near the KeyBank Center.
- On Feb. 19, Erie County notified federal agents after Shah Alam was released from Erie County Holding Center and taken into Border Patrol custody, then released and detained again.
- His attorney Benjamin Macaluso says Shah Alam was nearly blind and did not speak English, limiting his communication, while Border Patrol agents offered a 'courtesy ride' to Tim Hortons, which was locked and left without notifying family or lawyers.
- Detectives said they are investigating the timeline leading to his death, while the Erie County Medical Examiner called it 'health related' and officials including Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator from New York, demanded a full probe.
- Refugees International called for a full investigation after Shah Alam, resettled in 2024, was abandoned by U.S. immigration enforcement, intensifying scrutiny of federal practices.
250 Articles
250 Articles
Nearly blind Rohingya refugee dies in Buffalo after being “dropped off” miles from home by CBP agents
Nurul Amin Shah Alam, 56, who was nearly blind and unable to speak English, was left at a donut shop in Buffalo by two Customs and Border Patrol agents five miles from his home and found dead on a downtown city street four days later.
Democrats Are Demanding an Investigation Into the Death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam
“We need answers," Rep. Timothy Kennedy said. Hans Pennink/APFour Democratic lawmakers on Friday demanded a federal investigation into the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a nearly blind Rohingya refugee who was found dead in Buffalo, New York, five days after Border Patrol agents dropped him off at a closed coffee shop.“My heart is broken, our community's heart is broken, and the nation is grieving with Mr. Shah Alam’s family,” Rep. Timothy Kenne…
Outrage as Border Patrol Faces Allegations Over Refugee's Death in New York
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is facing mounting political pressure after allegations that border patrol agents left a nearly blind refugee to die in Buffalo, New York. The death of 56-year-old Nurul Amin Shah Alam has triggered multiple investigations and fierce criticism from state and local leaders. His body was discovered five days after federal agents released him from custody and dropped him at a coffee shop alone. The circumst…
Blind refugee dies days after Border Patrol release: Here’s what happened
A nearly blind refugee died this week in Buffalo, New York, after Border Patrol agents released him from custody. Now, investigators are looking into what happened, what caused his death and why he was left alone outside a coffee shop. The story dates back to February 2025, when the refugee, Nurul Amin Shah Alam, was arrested for trespassing and assault. The Burmese refugee spent a year in jail before being released to Border Patrol, and was ev…
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