Refugee Found Dead After Border Patrol Dropped Him Off at Buffalo Shop

The nearly blind man from Myanmar was left alone miles from home, prompting outrage from city officials.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A 56-year-old refugee from Myanmar named Nurul Amin Shah Alam was detained by U.S. Border Patrol agents on February 19 after being released from a county jail. The agents then dropped him off alone at a Tim Hortons doughnut shop in Buffalo, New York, several miles from his home, despite him being nearly blind and unable to speak English. Shah Alam was found dead on the street five days later, prompting a police investigation and criticism from Buffalo's mayor that the agents had abandoned him in an 'unprofessional and inhumane' manner.

Why it matters

This incident has raised concerns about how U.S. immigration authorities handle vulnerable detainees, especially those with disabilities or language barriers, and whether they are properly ensuring the safety of individuals they release. The death also highlights the challenges faced by refugee communities in navigating complex legal and social systems in a new country.

The details

Shah Alam, who had worked in construction in Malaysia for many years, arrived in the U.S. with his wife and two children in December 2024 seeking new opportunities. He was arrested by Buffalo police a year ago after an incident that resulted in minor injuries to two officers, but prosecutors said the arrest was likely due to a language barrier and cultural differences. Shah Alam ultimately pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges and was scheduled to be sentenced in March. After his release from county jail, Border Patrol agents took him to the Tim Hortons and left him there, despite his inability to speak English or get around without assistance.

  • On February 19, Shah Alam was detained by Border Patrol agents after being released from a county jail.
  • On February 22, Shah Alam's lawyer reported him missing to Buffalo police after learning he was not in immigration detention.
  • On February 25, Shah Alam was found dead near the downtown Buffalo sports arena.

The players

Nurul Amin Shah Alam

A 56-year-old refugee from Myanmar who was nearly blind and unable to speak English.

Sean Ryan

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

Imran Fazal

A family friend of Shah Alam's and the founder of the Rohingya Empowerment Community group.

Mike Keane

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

Kirsten Gillibrand

A Democratic U.S. Senator who sent a letter demanding a full accounting of the Border Patrol's actions.

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What’s next

Detectives are continuing to investigate the events leading up to Shah Alam's death, and the county medical examiner is working to determine the official cause of death.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for greater care and oversight when immigration authorities release vulnerable individuals, especially those with language barriers or disabilities, to ensure their safety and well-being. It also underscores the challenges faced by refugee communities in navigating complex legal and social systems in a new country.