Death of Rohingya Refugee Left in Freezing Temps by Border Agents Ruled Homicide

New York officials vow accountability after medical examiner finds Border Patrol negligence led to man's death from hypothermia-related complications.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:22pm

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The death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a 56-year-old Rohingya refugee who was abandoned by US Border Patrol agents in freezing Buffalo temperatures, has been ruled a homicide by the county medical examiner. Officials say Shah Alam died from complications of a perforated ulcer caused by severe hypothermia after the agents left him at a closed coffee shop, ignoring his visual impairment and inability to speak English.

Why it matters

The Trump administration's refusal to take responsibility for Shah Alam's death highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of immigrants and refugees by border enforcement, with advocates arguing his fate amounted to "death-by-policy" due to the agents' negligent actions.

The details

After being detained in February 2025 for an incident involving curtain rods, Shah Alam was released from jail and picked up by Border Patrol agents, who drove him to a closed Tim Hortons location and left him there, despite his son waiting to take him home. Five days later, Shah Alam was found dead on a Buffalo street, having succumbed to hypothermia-related complications from a perforated ulcer that caused him severe pain in his final hours.

  • In February 2025, Shah Alam was detained and charged with assault, trespassing, and possession of a weapon.
  • In late February 2026, Shah Alam was released from jail after his family posted bail.
  • On the day of his release, Border Patrol agents picked Shah Alam up from jail and drove him to a closed coffee shop, leaving him there.
  • Five days later, on February 18, 2026, Shah Alam was found dead on a Buffalo street.

The players

Nurul Amin Shah Alam

A 56-year-old Rohingya refugee who died after being abandoned by Border Patrol agents in freezing Buffalo temperatures.

Mohamad Faisal Nurul Amin

Shah Alam's son, who was waiting outside the jail to take his father home when Border Patrol agents took him away instead.

Letitia James

The New York Attorney General who vowed to continue reviewing the circumstances and treatment that led to Shah Alam's death.

Gale Burstein

The Erie County Department of Health commissioner who announced that Shah Alam's death was directly caused by complications from a perforated ulcer due to hypothermia.

Afaf Nasher

The executive director of the New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, who called for an independent criminal investigation into the Border Patrol agents' actions.

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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 Attorney General

“When I got the call from the medical examiner, my body went into shock. I felt like I was going to throw up. I couldn't move. Someone told my mother, and she was devastated. I am still depressed.”

— Mohamad Faisal Nurul Amin, Shah Alam's son

“This death had NOTHING to do with Border Patrol. Mr. Shah Alam passed almost A WEEK AFTER he was released by Border Patrol.”

— Department of Homeland Security

What’s next

The Erie County district attorney's office has requested the autopsy report and is committed to seeking the truth and upholding justice in this case.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of immigrants and refugees by border enforcement, with advocates arguing that Shah Alam's death was a preventable consequence of the Border Patrol's negligent actions. It underscores the need for greater accountability and oversight of border agencies to ensure the safety and dignity of all individuals, regardless of immigration status.