Medical Examiner Rules Rohingya Refugee's Death a Homicide

Authorities say Border Patrol's actions contributed to the man's death after he was left alone at a closed doughnut shop.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:40pm

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The medical examiner in Buffalo has ruled that the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a nearly blind Rohingya refugee from Myanmar, was a homicide. Alam died in February after Border Patrol agents dropped him off outside a closed Tim Hortons doughnut shop on a frigid night. The medical examiner found that Alam's death was caused by complications from an ulcer that formed due to hypothermia and dehydration from being left alone.

Why it matters

Alam's death has triggered outrage in Buffalo and around the nation, raising concerns about how authorities treated a vulnerable refugee. The homicide ruling could lead to criminal charges against the Border Patrol agents involved.

The details

According to the medical examiner, Alam's ulcer formed when hypothermia decreased blood flow, weakening his intestinal lining, while dehydration led to a buildup of stomach acid that eroded his digestive system. The symptoms of a perforated ulcer, which Alam experienced, are severe pain and a medical emergency. Customs and Border Protection officials have denied culpability, claiming Alam's death occurred nearly a week after his release, but the state attorney general and Erie County district attorney are investigating the case.

  • Alam was released from jail on bail in February 2026.
  • Border Patrol agents took Alam to the closed doughnut shop after his release.
  • Alam was found dead five days later.

The players

Nurul Amin Shah Alam

A Rohingya refugee from Myanmar who died after being left alone by Border Patrol agents on a frigid night.

Dr. Gale R. Burstein

The Erie County Department of Health commissioner who ruled Alam's death a homicide.

Letitia James

The New York state attorney general who is reviewing the case.

Mark C. Poloncarz

The Erie County executive who said the homicide designation does not necessarily imply criminality.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

The federal agency that took Alam into custody and dropped him off at the closed doughnut shop.

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What they’re saying

“Mr. Shah Alam fled genocide to build a life in this country. Instead, he was abandoned and left to suffer alone in his final hours. No New Yorker should be treated this way.”

— Letitia James, New York State Attorney General

“It should not have happened. Simple as that.”

— Mark C. Poloncarz, Erie County Executive

What’s next

The state attorney general and Erie County district attorney are investigating the case, and criminal charges against the Border Patrol agents could potentially follow the homicide ruling.

The takeaway

Alam's tragic death highlights the need for greater accountability and compassion in how authorities treat vulnerable individuals, especially immigrants and refugees. This case underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of the community.