crime
Visually impaired Rohingya dropped by Border Patrol dies in Buffalo
A visually impaired Rohingya refugee was found dead in Buffalo days after Border Patrol agents left him outside a closed cafe; the medical examiner ruled the death a homicide and state officials are demanding investigations while federal authorities deny responsibility.
Apr 3rd 2026 · United States
Insights
- Nurul Amin Shah Alam, 56, a visually impaired Rohingya refugee, was found dead in Buffalo five days after Border Patrol agents dropped him outside a closed Tim Hortons on 19 February.
- The Erie County Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide, citing complications from an ulcer precipitated by hypothermia and dehydration.
- Shah Alam had been released from jail into the custody of Customs and Border Protection before agents left him at the closed cafe despite his vulnerabilities.
- New York officials including Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James have called for investigations and accountability.
- Homeland Security denied responsibility, said his record showed violent offenses, and described allegations about the agency's role as a hoax.
Sources
- La muerte del refugiado abandonado por agentes de migración en Nueva York fue "homicidio" www.elmundo.es
- Border Patrol left refugee in ‘hostile environment’ before he died in the cold, family attorney says www.independent.co.uk
- Refugee left in ‘hostile environment’ by Border Patrol before his death, say family www.independent.co.uk