Refugee's death after release by US immigration authorities ruled homicide
Nurul Amin Shah Alam's death was ruled a homicide in New York state. The Erie County Medical Examiner's Office said Shah Alam's death in the city of Buffalo was caused by "complications of a perforated duodenal ulcer, precipitated by hypothermia and dehydration". The body of Shah Alam was found on February 24 - five days after agents dropped him off at a coffee shop.
Shah Alam, a Rohingya refugee from Myanmar, was described by Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan as "a vulnerable man - nearly blind and unable to speak English". Erie County executive Mark Poloncarz said Shah Alam's death "should not have happened" and "was one that we believe could have been prevented." New York Governor Kathy Hochul said every individual involved in the man's death "must be held fully accountable". County health commissioner Dr Gale Burstein told reporters the 56-year-old refugee died from an ulcer "precipitated by our body's physiologic response to severe stress". The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Shah Alam had shown "no signs of distress, mobility issues or disabilities requiring special assistance" when he was dropped off. The DHS added: "Border Patrol agents offered him a courtesy ride, which he chose to accept to a coffee shop, determined to be a warm, safe location near his last known address, rather than be released directly from the Border Patrol station." Shah Alam was found dead nearly 6 miles (9.7km) away from the shop.
Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane and New York State Attorney General Letitia James said their offices were reviewing the facts. CBP said Shah Alam had a "violent criminal rap sheet". Shah Alam had been arrested by local police in February 2025 after an incident
Quick Summary
The death of a nearly blind Rohingya refugee in the US, days after being released from immigration custody, has sparked controversy- with officials calling for accountability. The medical examiner's report has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his demise - but what does it all mean?
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