Refugee from Myanmar Found Dead After Border Patrol Drop-Off

Police investigating death of nearly blind man left at Buffalo doughnut shop

Published on Feb. 27, 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, had been detained by Border Patrol but was released when authorities determined he was not eligible for deportation. His family reported him missing after the drop-off, and his body was later discovered near a downtown sports arena. The cause of death was ruled health-related, but Buffalo's mayor criticized the Border Patrol's actions as "unprofessional and inhumane" for leaving a vulnerable man alone in the cold without ensuring his safety.

Why it matters

This incident has raised concerns about how U.S. immigration authorities handle the release of vulnerable individuals, especially those with language barriers and disabilities. It highlights the potential risks of simply dropping off detainees without ensuring their well-being and access to support services, which may have contributed to this tragic outcome.

The details

Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a 56-year-old refugee from Myanmar, was detained by U.S. Border Patrol agents on February 19 after his release from a county jail. However, federal authorities determined he was not eligible for deportation and released him the same day. The Border Patrol agents then drove Alam to a Tim Hortons doughnut shop north of downtown Buffalo and left him there, despite Alam being nearly blind and unable to speak English. Alam's family, who had expected him to be released from jail, reported him missing after being informed of the drop-off. Five days later, Alam's body was found near the downtown sports arena where the Buffalo Sabres play. The county medical examiner determined the cause of death was health-related, and police are investigating the events leading up to his death.

  • On February 19, Nurul Amin Shah Alam was detained by U.S. Border Patrol agents after his release from a county jail.
  • On February 19, federal authorities determined Alam was not eligible for deportation and released him the same day.
  • On February 19, Border Patrol agents drove Alam to a Tim Hortons doughnut shop and left him there.
  • On February 24, Alam's body was found near the downtown sports arena in Buffalo.
  • On February 27, the county medical examiner determined the cause of Alam's death was health-related.

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 and then dropped him off at a doughnut shop in Buffalo.

Sean Ryan

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

Imran Fazal

The founder of the Rohingya Empowerment Community, who knew Alam's family and said the arrest that led to his detention was a misunderstanding.

Mike Keane

The Erie County District Attorney, who said he 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 (Online statement)

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

— Imran Fazal, Founder, Rohingya Empowerment Community (wbal.com)

What’s next

The Buffalo Police Department is continuing to investigate the events leading up to Nurul Amin Shah Alam's death, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection has defended its actions in dropping him off at the doughnut shop.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for greater care and support when immigration authorities release vulnerable individuals, especially those with language barriers and disabilities. It raises questions about the policies and procedures governing such releases to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected.