Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a 56-year-traditional Rohingya refugee from Myanmar, who was blind and illiterate, was found dead in Buffalo, Recent York, on Tuesday after being released from US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) detention.
Circumstances of Release and Death
Shah Alam had been missing since February 19, when CBP agents dropped him off at a Tim Horton’s donut shop late at night. The location was approximately five miles (eight kilometers) from his home. Agents did not contact his family or his lawyer, according to reports.
Authorities in Buffalo confirmed Shah Alam’s death on Wednesday, finding him on a downtown street. Ian Ott, a spokesperson for Buffalo City Hall, stated that the Erie County Medical Examiner identified Mr. Shah Alam and subsequently notified his family.
A CBP spokesperson stated that agents “offered him a courtesy ride, which he chose to accept to a coffee shop, determined to be a warm, safe location near his last known address, rather than be released directly from the Border Patrol station.” The spokesperson also said he “showed no signs of distress, mobility issues or disabilities requiring special assistance.”
A police investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death has been launched.
Reaction to the Death
Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan released a statement on Wednesday calling Shah Alam’s death the result of “inhumane” federal immigration policies. Ryan stated that 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,” and that the CBP’s decision was “unprofessional and inhumane.”
Prior Arrest and Detention
Shah Alam’s time in the US included a period of criminal detention. He was arrested in February 2025 after a Buffalo resident reported him as a trespasser when he became lost while walking and entered private property.
Reports indicate that police tasered and beat Shah Alam when he did not drop what they believed was a weapon—a curtain rod his lawyer said he used as a walking stick. He was jailed by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office until last week, when he was released on bail after a misdemeanor plea deal.
Erie County authorities then notified US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of his pending release, as ICE had filed a request for custody upon his release from jail.
Shah Alam is survived by his wife and two sons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Nurul Amin Shah Alam’s nationality?
Nurul Amin Shah Alam was a Rohingya refugee from Myanmar.
Where was Shah Alam found after being reported missing?
Shah Alam was found dead on a downtown street in Buffalo, New York.
What did CBP say about releasing Shah Alam at a Tim Horton’s?
A CBP spokesperson said agents offered him a ride to a coffee shop, believing it to be a warm and safe location near his last known address, and that he showed no signs of distress or disability.
What further steps will be taken to understand the events leading to this tragedy?
