Blind Refugee's Death After Border Patrol Release Ruled a Homicide

Erie County officials and the district attorney are investigating the circumstances surrounding Nurul Amin Shah Alam's death.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:38pm

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The Erie County Department of Health announced that the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a blind refugee from Burma who was found dead after being released by Border Patrol, has been ruled a homicide. Alam's cause of death was determined to be complications from a perforated duodenal ulcer, precipitated by hypothermia and dehydration.

Why it matters

Alam's death has raised concerns about the treatment of vulnerable individuals in the custody of law enforcement agencies. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death could shed light on issues of accountability and the need for improved protocols when dealing with individuals with disabilities or language barriers.

The details

Alam was reported missing on Sunday, February 22, after Border Patrol agents allegedly dropped him off at a Tim Hortons restaurant in Buffalo, New York, just miles from his home. His body was found on Tuesday, February 24. The Erie County Medical Examiner's Office has ruled his cause of death as 'complications of a perforated duodenal ulcer precipitated by hypothermia and dehydration', and the manner of death as 'homicide'.

  • Alam was arrested on February 15, 2025, on charges of assault and criminal mischief.
  • Alam was released by Border Patrol on February 19, 2026.
  • Alam's body was found on February 24, 2026.

The players

Nurul Amin Shah Alam

A blind refugee from Burma and a father of two who died after being released by Border Patrol.

Erie County Department of Health

The department that announced the ruling on Alam's cause and manner of death.

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz

A local official who stated that Alam's death 'should not have happened' and that law enforcement agencies would have to determine who was responsible.

Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane

The district attorney who said his office is committed to seeking the truth and upholding justice in this case.

New York State Attorney General Letitia James

The state attorney general who expressed her condolences to Alam's family and stated that her office is continuing to review the circumstances and treatment that led to his death.

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What they’re saying

“This should not have happened.”

— Mark Poloncarz, Erie County Executive

“The Erie County District Attorney's Office has requested the autopsy report on the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam. We will review the findings from the Erie County Medical Examiner's Office and any additional medical records.”

— Mike Keane, Erie County District Attorney

“This death had NOTHING to do with Border Patrol. Mr. Shah Alam passed almost A WEEK AFTER he was released by Border Patrol — he also had a serial violent criminal rap sheet.”

— Department of Homeland Security

“This should not have happened. 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.”

— Letitia James, New York State Attorney General

What’s next

The Erie County District Attorney's Office and the New York State Attorney General's Office are continuing their investigations into the circumstances surrounding Nurul Amin Shah Alam's death.

The takeaway

Alam's tragic death has raised serious questions about the treatment of vulnerable individuals in the custody of law enforcement agencies, particularly those with disabilities or language barriers. The investigations into his death will be closely watched to ensure accountability and the implementation of improved protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.