Death of Refugee Left by Border Patrol Ruled a Homicide

Authorities say Nurul Amin Shah Alam's death was caused by complications from a perforated ulcer, hypothermia, and dehydration.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:33pm

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The death of a nearly blind refugee from Myanmar who was found on a Buffalo street in February, five days after Border Patrol agents left him at a doughnut shop, has been ruled a homicide by the Erie County Medical Examiner's Office. The agency said Shah Alam's death was caused by complications of a perforated duodenal ulcer, precipitated by hypothermia and dehydration, but did not reach any conclusions about responsibility for his death.

Why it matters

This case has raised concerns about the treatment of refugees and immigrants by federal authorities, as well as the potential consequences of leaving vulnerable individuals in unfamiliar locations without proper support or notification of their families.

The details

On February 19, Border Patrol agents dropped off Shah Alam, a 56-year-old refugee from Myanmar, at a Tim Hortons restaurant north of downtown Buffalo, even though the establishment was closed at the time. Shah Alam had been released from a county jail and briefly detained by Border Patrol, who determined he wasn't eligible for deportation. His family, who had been awaiting his release from jail, was not informed of his release. On February 24, Shah Alam was found dead near the downtown sports arena where the NHL's Buffalo Sabres play, several miles away from the Tim Hortons where he was left. It was unclear how he got there or when he died.

  • On February 19, Border Patrol agents dropped off Shah Alam at a Tim Hortons restaurant.
  • On February 22, Shah Alam's lawyer reported him missing to Buffalo police.
  • On February 24, Shah Alam was found dead near the downtown sports arena.

The players

Nurul Amin Shah Alam

A 56-year-old refugee from Myanmar who was left by Border Patrol agents at a closed Tim Hortons restaurant in Buffalo, and was later found dead.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

The federal agency that detained and then released Shah Alam, leaving him at the closed Tim Hortons restaurant.

Erie County Medical Examiner's Office

The agency that ruled Shah Alam's death a homicide, caused by complications from a perforated ulcer, hypothermia, and dehydration.

Sean Ryan

The mayor of Buffalo, who stated that the Tim Hortons restaurant where Shah Alam was left was closed at the time.

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What they’re saying

“The agency has previously said that Shah Alam 'showed no signs of distress, mobility issues, or disabilities requiring special assistance' when agents dropped him off Feb. 19 at a Tim Hortons restaurant north of Buffalo's downtown.”

— U.S. Customs and Border Protection

“The restaurant was closed at the time, Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan has said.”

— Sean Ryan, Buffalo Mayor

What’s next

Erie County officials are planning a news conference later Wednesday to provide more details on the case and the medical examiner's findings.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for greater accountability and oversight in the treatment of vulnerable individuals, such as refugees and immigrants, by federal authorities. It raises questions about the decision-making process and the duty of care owed to those in the government's custody or under its supervision.