Refugee's death after release by US immigration authorities ruled homicide

April 2, 2026

A 56-year-old Rohingya refugee from Myanmar, Nurul Amin Shah Alam, was found dead in Buffalo, New York, five days after federal immigration agents released him at a coffee shop in freezing weather. The Erie County Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide caused by complications from a perforated ulcer that was triggered by hypothermia and dehydration. Shah Alam, who was nearly blind and spoke no English, had been arrested after a misunderstanding with police involving a curtain rod he used as a walking stick, leading to minor charges and subsequent federal custody.

Who is affected

Nurul Amin Shah Alam (deceased Rohingya refugee)
Shah Alam's family, including his son Mohamad Faisal
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Buffalo residents and local law enforcement
Erie County officials (Medical Examiner's Office, County Executive Mark Poloncarz, Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein)
Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo

What action is being taken

Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane is reviewing the facts of the case
New York State Attorney General Letitia James is reviewing the facts of the case
CBP is defending its actions through public statements

Why it matters

This case highlights critical gaps in how vulnerable individuals, particularly refugees with disabilities and language barriers, are treated by immigration enforcement systems. The designation of homicide, even without implying criminal intent, raises serious accountability questions about the decision to release a nearly blind, non-English speaking refugee in freezing temperatures at a location where his family no longer lived. The incident exposes potential systemic failures in coordinating between federal immigration authorities, local law enforcement, and social services to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations during custody transitions.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC