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Refugee Dies Days After Border Patrol Release in Buffalo, Sparking Official Calls for Investigation

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Visually Impaired Rohingya Refugee Found Deceased in Buffalo After Border Patrol Release

Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a 56-year-old visually impaired Rohingya refugee, was found deceased in Buffalo, New York, on February 24, approximately five days after his release from custody by U.S. Border Patrol agents. Shah Alam had been transferred to Border Patrol after a period in jail stemming from a February 15 arrest. His death has prompted calls for independent investigations and accountability from state and local officials, while U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has defended its actions.

Incident Overview

Nurul Amin Shah Alam was discovered deceased on a street in Buffalo on Tuesday, February 24, at approximately 8:30 PM. Local temperatures were reported to be around -6 degrees Celsius (21 Fahrenheit) at the time. An autopsy by the Erie County Medical Examiner's Office determined the cause of death was health-related, with exposure and homicide ruled out. His body was found approximately four miles from where he had been dropped off by Border Patrol agents.

Background and Custody

Shah Alam, a Rohingya refugee from Myanmar, arrived in the United States on December 24, 2024, with his wife and youngest son; his three eldest sons remained in Malaysia.

On February 15, 2025, he was arrested by Buffalo Police after reportedly becoming lost and found on private property. Charges included assault, trespassing, and weapons possession. Police reports indicated he was tasered when he did not drop a curtain rod he was using as a walking cane, reportedly due to not understanding commands. His family stated he was illiterate and did not speak English. The charges were subsequently resolved through a misdemeanor plea agreement.

Border Patrol Release

On February 19, following his discharge from the Erie County jail, deputies transferred Shah Alam to U.S. Border Patrol due to an existing immigration detainer. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reportedly declined to detain or deport Shah Alam, as he was not subject to removal.

Border Patrol agents then offered Shah Alam a "courtesy ride" to a coffee shop on Niagara Street in Buffalo. CBP stated this location was chosen as "a warm, safe location near his last known address" and was preferred over a direct release from a Border Patrol station. The agency also reported that Shah Alam accepted the ride and "showed no signs of distress, mobility issues or disabilities requiring special assistance."

However, Shah Alam's family reported that they had relocated months earlier, and neither they nor his attorney were informed of his release or drop-off location. Family members stated that Shah Alam was nearly blind, had limited English proficiency, and lacked a phone or money. Video footage reportedly showed Shah Alam, wearing jail-issued orange booties, walking through the coffee shop's parking lot, with the establishment itself closed for the day except for its drive-thru.

"A blind father was released from federal custody and left alone on the street to find his way home. He never made it back to his family."
— New York Governor Kathy Hochul

Official Responses and Calls for Investigation

Following the discovery of Shah Alam's body, several officials issued statements and called for investigations:

  • Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan described the death as "deeply disturbing" and a "dereliction of duty" by Border Patrol, characterizing CBP's actions as "unprofessional and inhumane." He requested accountability from the agency.
  • New York Governor Kathy Hochul called for an independent investigation and accountability, stating the above.
  • U.S. Congress members, including Buffalo Representative Tim Kennedy and Representative Grace Meng, have also called for state and federal investigations into the incident and demanded answers from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
  • The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) acknowledged Shah Alam's death as tragic but denied responsibility, stating on X that it was "ridiculous to blame Border Patrol for an individual’s death a week after their last interaction with them."
  • The Buffalo Police Department's homicide detectives are investigating the sequence of events leading to Shah Alam's death. The department had previously sought public assistance to locate him after he was reported missing.

Family Statements and Context

Mohamad Faisal, Shah Alam's son, stated that his father's initial arrest was a misunderstanding and that his health had declined during his time in jail.

Shah Alam's wife, Fatimah Abdul Roshid, expressed profound grief over not knowing her husband's condition or location prior to his death. She questioned the care provided by the sheriff's office during his custody. Abdul Roshid conveyed that for her, justice would involve reunification with her three eldest sons who remain in Malaysia, a goal shared by other Rohingya refugees in Buffalo.