The demise of a visually impaired refugee from Myanmar, discovered on a Buffalo, N.Y., street in February – five days after being left outside a Tim Hortons by U.S. Border Patrol agents – has been officially deemed a homicide.
The Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office has attributed Nurul Amin Shah Alam’s death to complications arising from a perforated duodenal ulcer, exacerbated by hypothermia and dehydration. Declaring the death a homicide implies that it resulted from actions or inactions of another individual but does not automatically indicate criminal intent.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz expressed dismay over the incident, stating, “This should not have occurred,” during a news briefing. When questioned about the Border Patrol’s potential responsibility, he deferred, suggesting that such determinations would be handled by law enforcement authorities.
State Attorney General Letitia James and Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane disclosed ongoing reviews of the case, with Keane mentioning a request for Shah Alam’s full autopsy report but refraining from further comments for now.
In response to criticisms, U.S. Customs and Border Protection reiterated that Shah Alam had shown no signs of distress or special needs upon being dropped off at the Tim Hortons on February 19. The agency emphasized that the death was not related to Border Patrol actions, rejecting accusations of negligence.
Despite being left at a closed Tim Hortons, surveillance footage revealed Shah Alam navigating the deserted parking lot before disappearing into the night. His disappearance was reported to Buffalo police by his attorney on February 22.
Advocates for immigrants are calling for justice for Shah Alam, a member of the persecuted Muslim Rohingya minority from Myanmar. They are urging a thorough investigation into the conduct of Border Patrol agents involved in the incident.
Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the treatment of Shah Alam, emphasizing the need for accountability and describing the circumstances as cruel and inhumane. Details about Shah Alam’s health condition before his death remain limited as his autopsy report is confidential under New York law.
Shah Alam, aged 56, had left Myanmar years ago and sought refuge in the U.S. with his family in 2024. His tragic death has left his community grieving and anxious, highlighting failures in the systems designed to safeguard vulnerable individuals.
The avoidable nature of this tragedy underscores the need for proper measures to protect those in need, as reiterated by advocates and community leaders.