Refugee's Death After Buffalo Doughnut Shop Drop-Off Sparks Probe

U.S. Border Patrol agents left nearly blind Myanmar man at Tim Hortons, leading to questions about his treatment

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A 56-year-old refugee from Myanmar, Nurul Amin Shah Alam, was found dead five days after U.S. Border Patrol agents dropped him off at a Tim Hortons doughnut shop in Buffalo, New York. Alam, who was nearly blind and did not speak English, was released from county jail but then detained by Border Patrol, who later left him at the doughnut shop miles from his home. His body was later discovered near a downtown sports arena, prompting an investigation and criticism from Buffalo's mayor about the agents' actions.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about how U.S. immigration authorities handle vulnerable individuals, especially those with disabilities or language barriers, and whether they are providing adequate care and support when releasing detainees. It also highlights the challenges faced by refugee communities in navigating complex systems and accessing resources.

The details

After being released from county jail, Nurul Amin Shah Alam was detained by U.S. Border Patrol agents, who then dropped him off at a Tim Hortons doughnut shop miles from his home in Buffalo. Alam, who was nearly blind and did not speak English, was found dead five days later near a downtown sports arena. The county medical examiner determined his death was 'health related in nature' and not due to exposure or homicide. Buffalo's mayor criticized the Border Patrol's actions, saying they should not have left the vulnerable man alone in an unfamiliar location.

  • On February 19, Alam was detained by Border Patrol agents after his release from county jail.
  • On the same day, the agents dropped Alam off at a Tim Hortons doughnut shop in Buffalo.
  • Alam's body was found on February 24, five days after he was dropped off at the doughnut shop.

The players

Nurul Amin Shah Alam

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

U.S. Border Patrol

The federal agency that detained Alam after his release from county jail and then dropped him off at a doughnut shop.

Sean Ryan

The Democratic mayor of Buffalo, who criticized the Border Patrol's actions as 'unprofessional and inhumane'.

Imran Fazal

A community advocate who knows Alam's family and founded the Rohingya Empowerment Community.

Mike Keane

The Erie County District Attorney, who had offered Alam a reduced plea deal to avoid mandatory deportation.

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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 (Mayor's statement)

“He should not be dropped off in a location where he doesn't know anybody. He doesn't speak English.”

— Imran Fazal, Community advocate (Investigative Post)

What’s next

Detectives are investigating the events leading up to Alam's death, and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has demanded a full accounting of the Border Patrol agents' actions.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for greater care and support for vulnerable individuals, especially refugees and immigrants, when they are released from custody. It raises questions about the policies and procedures of U.S. immigration authorities and the challenges faced by refugee communities in accessing resources and navigating complex systems.