The family of a nearly blind Rohingya refugee who died after being abandoned by US Border Patrol in freezing temperatures is demanding answers after his death was ruled a homicide. Nurul Shah Alam, 56, was found dead on 24 February, five days after he was dropped off in a Buffalo parking lot without warm clothing or shoes, wearing only detention booties.
Shah Alam had been detained at the Erie County detention centre after mistakenly wandering into a resident's backyard. He was due to be released on 19 February, and his family had prepared for his return. Instead, his body was discovered four miles from where Border Patrol left him, without his family or attorneys being notified.
On Tuesday, the Erie County medical examiner ruled his death a homicide, caused by 'complications of a perforated duodenal ulcer precipitated by hypothermia and dehydration'. The ruling states that 'homicide' includes deaths resulting from negligent acts or omissions by another person.
Attorney Terrence Connors, representing the family, said: 'Border Patrol had the ability to place him in a non-hostile environment. That is why the manner of death was ruled a homicide.' The Department of Homeland Security denied responsibility, calling the findings 'another hoax'.
The case has sparked outrage among advocates and the Rohingya community in Buffalo, which numbers about 2,000. 'A homicide finding means this wasn't just a tragedy. It points to neglect or wrongful action,' said Michelle Brané, a former immigration detention ombudsman.
Shah Alam's son, Mohamad Faisal Nurul Amin, said: 'When I got the call from the medical examiner, my body went into shock. I felt like I was going to throw up. My mother was devastated. I am still depressed.'
