Blind Refugee Found Dead After Border Patrol Abandoned Him

Nurul Amin Shah Alam's body was discovered in Buffalo, NY after he was dropped off miles from home.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 56-year-old Rohingya refugee from Burma named Nurul Amin Shah Alam was found dead in Buffalo, New York after Border Patrol agents abandoned him miles from his home. Shah Alam, who was nearly blind and did not speak English, was released from jail on February 19 and then picked up by Border Patrol, who dropped him off at a Tim Hortons coffee shop far from his residence without notifying his family. His body was discovered two days later, and his death was ruled health-related rather than due to exposure or homicide.

Why it matters

This incident raises serious concerns about the treatment of vulnerable immigrants and refugees by law enforcement, as well as the potential consequences of leaving individuals with disabilities or language barriers in unfamiliar locations without proper assistance or notification of their families.

The details

After being arrested last year for an incident involving a walking stick, Shah Alam agreed to a plea deal and was released from detention on February 19. However, he was then picked up by Border Patrol, who had been notified of his release by the Erie County Sheriff's Office. Rather than take Shah Alam into federal immigration detention or return him to his home, Border Patrol agents dropped him off at a Tim Hortons coffee shop miles from his residence, without informing his family of his whereabouts. His body was discovered two days later, and the medical examiner determined his death was health-related.

  • Shah Alam was arrested last year after an incident involving a walking stick.
  • On February 19, 2026, Shah Alam was released from detention after agreeing to a plea deal.
  • Immediately after his release, Shah Alam was picked up by Border Patrol on February 19, 2026.
  • Border Patrol agents dropped Shah Alam off at a Tim Hortons coffee shop on February 19, 2026.
  • Shah Alam's body was discovered on February 21, 2026.

The players

Nurul Amin Shah Alam

A 56-year-old Rohingya refugee from Burma who was nearly blind and did not speak English.

Mohamad Faisal

One of Shah Alam's sons, who stated that the arrest stemmed from a misunderstanding and that his father did not comprehend the commands to drop the walking stick.

Benjamin Macaluso

Shah Alam's attorney, who stated that the terms of a recent plea deal enabled Shah Alam to 'clear' the immigration detainer and avoid detention.

Sean Ryan

The Democratic mayor of Buffalo, who stated that the decision by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to abandon Shah Alam was 'unprofessional and inhumane'.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

The federal law enforcement agency that picked up Shah Alam from local authorities and later abandoned him miles from his home.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“A vulnerable man − nearly blind and unable to speak English − was left alone on a cold winter night with no known attempt to leave him in a safe, secure location. That decision from U.S. Customs and Border Protection was unprofessional and inhumane.”

— Sean Ryan, Mayor of Buffalo (Buffalo Toronto Public Media)

“Nobody told me or my family or attorney where my dad was dropped off. He didn't read, write or use electronic devices.”

— Mohamad Faisal, Son of Nurul Amin Shah Alam (Reuters)

“Border Patrol 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, rather than be released directly from the Border Patrol station. He showed no signs of distress, mobility issues or disabilities requiring special assistance.”

— U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesperson (Buffalo Toronto Public Media)

What’s next

The Erie County Medical Examiner is continuing to investigate the cause and circumstances of Nurul Amin Shah Alam's death.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for greater accountability and oversight of law enforcement agencies when dealing with vulnerable populations, as well as the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status or language abilities.