Refugee’s Death After Release by US Immigration Authorities Classified as Homicide

A Rohingya refugee from Myanmar, Nurul Amin Shah Alam, died in Buffalo, New York, following his release from federal immigration custody. The Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office determined his death was caused by “complications of a perforated duodenal ulcer, precipitated by hypothermia and dehydration.” This classification, however, does not necessarily indicate criminal intent, according to local officials.

Shah Alam, described as “nearly blind and unable to speak English,” was found outdoors in freezing conditions days after being dropped off at a coffee shop. Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan, a Democrat, noted his vulnerability during an earlier press briefing. The body was discovered on 24 February, five days after he was released by Border Patrol agents.

“This death had NOTHING to do with Border Patrol,” said a spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), dismissing claims of negligence. The agency emphasized that Shah Alam’s death occurred almost a week after his release, attributing it to “a hoax being peddled by the media and sanctuary politicians.”

Details of the Incident

On 9 February 2025, Shah Alam pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors: weapon possession and trespassing. He was released from jail on 19 February after posting bond. Immigration authorities had issued a detainer, requesting his custody if he was released. The detainer was activated when he was taken into federal custody days later.

Video footage from body-worn police cameras shows Shah Alam holding two black rods during his arrest. Officers repeatedly asked him to drop the items, but he refused, leading to taser deployment. The clip captures him walking forward with the rods until one officer subdued him. His son, Mohamad Faisal, claimed the arrest stemmed from a misunderstanding, stating his father had used a curtain rod as a walking aid during a walk and was not a threat.

Investigations and Reactions

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz and New York Governor Kathy Hochul called for accountability, with Hochul urging full responsibility for the incident. The county’s district attorney and state attorney general are reviewing the case. Dr. Gale Burstein, Erie County health commissioner, explained that the ulcer was “precipitated by our body’s physiologic response to severe stress,” though officials could not confirm prior medical history due to confidentiality.

On the day of his release, Buffalo’s temperature averaged 35°F (2°C), but it plummeted to 20°F by the time of his death. The National Weather Service reported these conditions. CBP also highlighted Shah Alam’s “violent criminal rap sheet,” citing his arrest in February 2025 for an incident that injured two officers. Despite this, the refugee had only been in the US for a few months before the arrest.

Controversy and Context

The case has sparked debate over the treatment of detainees. While CBP insists the death was unrelated to its operations, Democratic officials argue that preventive measures could have avoided the tragedy. Poloncarz stated, “The death was one that we believe could have been prevented,” emphasizing systemic oversight. The autopsy report, kept confidential by law, remains central to understanding the sequence of events leading to his demise.