Blind Refugee Found Dead After Border Patrol Abandonment in Buffalo
The body of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a 56-year-old refugee from Myanmar who was nearly blind and unable to speak English, was discovered on a street in Buffalo, New York, triggering intense community concern and demands for accountability. Shah Alam had disappeared after being dropped off at a Tim Hortons coffee shop by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents, who described it as a "courtesy ride." His death, ruled as health-related by the medical examiner, occurred just five days after his release from custody.
A Vulnerable Man Left Alone
Shah Alam, who arrived in the United States as a refugee on Christmas Eve 2024, spent close to a year in the Erie County Holding Center following an incident in February 2025 that left two police officers injured. After pleading guilty to two misdemeanors and being granted $5,000 bail, he was released into CBP custody last week. Border Patrol agents then drove him to a Tim Hortons on Niagara Street, approximately four miles from where his body was later found near the KeyBank Center.
Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan condemned the actions of federal agents in a statement, calling Shah Alam's death "deeply disturbing and a dereliction of duty." He emphasized, "A vulnerable man - nearly blind and unable to speak English - was left alone on a cold winter night with no known attempt to leave him in a safe, secure location. That decision from US Customs and Border Protection was unprofessional and inhumane."
Contradictory Accounts and Legal Proceedings
CBP officials stated that Shah Alam "showed no signs of distress, mobility issues or disabilities requiring special assistance" and that the coffee shop was chosen as a "warm, safe location near his last known address." However, this account conflicts with reports from his family and attorneys, who expressed concerns about his mobility and health after he was reported missing.
The legal timeline surrounding Shah Alam's case reveals complexities:
- He was arrested in February 2025 after an altercation where he allegedly bit and scratched officers, leading to charges including assault and criminal mischief.
- An immigration detainer was filed, allowing him to be held for handover to federal authorities.
- Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane offered a reduced plea to avoid felony convictions that could have resulted in deportation.
- Shah Alam pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors on February 9 and was granted bail, with an understanding he would remain in custody until sentencing next month.
Keane revealed that his office only learned of Shah Alam's release on Tuesday, the same day his body was found. The sheriff's office asserted that the release followed proper procedures, but Keane noted, "We have been informed that the federal immigration detainer remained in place at the time his bond was posted on Thursday, February 19, 2026." His office plans to dismiss the charges upon receipt of the death certificate.
Community Outcry and Calls for Investigation
The news of Shah Alam's death has resonated deeply within the Buffalo community, with local leaders expressing alarm. Common Councilmember David A. Rivera described the early information as "concerning and alarming," noting, "Tensions were already up with what's happening nationally and even locally. People are suspicious. They are fearful of ICE."
Representative Tim Kennedy, D-Buffalo, issued a statement calling the refugee's death a "horrific and heartbreaking tragedy." He demanded, "There must be a full and transparent investigation at the local, state and federal levels. The public and Mr. Alam’s family deserve answers immediately."
Mohammed Osman Shimul, a member of Buffalo's Bengali community, told Buffalo News that Shah Alam's death is "alarming" and raises questions about the humanity of those involved. The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, which represented Shah Alam, expressed sadness but declined further comment due to ethical obligations.
Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Scrutiny
Further details emerged about the handling of Shah Alam's disappearance. His attorneys claimed that a detective initially closed the missing-person case for several hours before it was reopened Monday afternoon by Police Commissioner Craig Macy. Shah Alam was found dead just after 8:30 PM on Tuesday, with the medical examiner ruling out exposure and homicide as causes of death.
Councilmember Rivera emphasized the need for caution, stating, "We have to be extra careful. We need a thorough investigation and to follow leads wherever they go." As federal authorities face accusations of abandoning a vulnerable individual, the case underscores broader issues of immigration enforcement and the treatment of refugees in custody. The community awaits further developments as investigations proceed into the circumstances leading to this tragic outcome.
