Rohingya Refugee Found Dead After Border Patrol Release

Nurul Amin Shah Alam's death sparks outrage and calls for investigation into agency's handling of vulnerable individuals

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The death of 56-year-old Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a Rohingya refugee from Burma (also known as Myanmar), has sparked outrage and calls for investigation after he was found dead in Buffalo, New York, five days after being released from custody by U.S. Border Patrol agents. Shah Alam, who was nearly blind and spoke little to no English, was released from the Erie County Holding Center on February 19, 2026. Border Patrol briefly took him into custody but determined he should not be deported. Later that night, agents reportedly dropped him off at a closed Tim Hortons coffee shop in near-freezing temperatures. His body was discovered on February 24th, approximately four miles from where he was left.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex challenges and potential for miscommunication within the U.S. Immigration system, particularly when dealing with vulnerable individuals who may have limited language skills or disabilities. The lack of clear protocols for handling such situations raises serious concerns about the safety and well-being of those in federal custody.

The details

Shah Alam had been arrested in February 2025 after police responded to a report of a man in a backyard. Officers stated he was holding 'two long black poles' and charged him with assault after a physical altercation. His family maintains this was a misunderstanding, as he was lost and using a curtain rod as a walking stick. After his release from the Erie County Holding Center on February 19, 2026, Border Patrol agents reportedly dropped him off at a closed Tim Hortons coffee shop in near-freezing temperatures. His body was discovered on February 24th, approximately four miles from where he was left.

  • Shah Alam was arrested in February 2025.
  • Shah Alam was released from the Erie County Holding Center on February 19, 2026.
  • Shah Alam's body was discovered on February 24, 2026.

The players

Nurul Amin Shah Alam

A 56-year-old Rohingya refugee from Burma (also known as Myanmar) who was nearly blind and spoke little to no English.

Sean Ryan

The Mayor of Buffalo, New York, who publicly criticized the actions of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

J. Dale Shoemaker

A reporter for Investigative Post who explained that a miscommunication occurred regarding which agency was responsible for taking custody of Shah Alam after his release.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Federal authorities will launch a review of the incident and the agency's protocols for releasing individuals from custody. Congressional leaders and other officials may demand answers and seek to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for clear protocols and better coordination within the U.S. Immigration system to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals, even when faced with language barriers or other challenges.