A refugee with severe vision impairment, who was detained and later abandoned by border patrol agents, has been discovered deceased. Nurul Amin Shah Alam, aged 56, described as “vulnerable,” was reportedly left alone at a coffee shop in New York. An investigation has been initiated into the conduct of US officials, a move criticized by Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan as “unprofessional and inhumane.”
The individual, a father of two, went missing on February 22 after allegedly being left miles away from his residence. The Buffalo Police Department issued a plea earlier this week for assistance in locating him.
Shah Alam, who had limited English proficiency, was dropped off on February 19 by Border Patrol officers following his release from Erie County jail. His lifeless body was found on Tuesday evening about four miles from the coffee shop, with an autopsy attributing his death to health-related issues.
“Homicide detectives are examining the events leading up to his death subsequent to his release from custody,” stated the police department.
Originally from Myanmar, Shah Alam had been arrested on assault charges on February 15, 2025. He later pleaded guilty to lesser charges and was awaiting a sentencing hearing in March.
According to his attorney, Shah Alam got lost and was found on a property’s porch using a curtain rod as a makeshift walking aid. He did not comply with police instructions due to language barriers.
The Erie County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that Shah Alam was held in custody and later released with an immigration detainer lodged by US Border Patrol. Authorities were notified by the police during the release process.
US Customs and Border Protection verified Shah Alam’s refugee status and stated that he declined direct release from the Border Patrol station, opting instead for a courtesy ride to a nearby coffee shop.
It was noted that Shah Alam did not exhibit any distress or need for special assistance during the encounter.
