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Nearly blind Rohingya refugee dies after Border Patrol drop-off in Buffalo

Apr 1, 2026 · Buffalo, NY, Burma

Nearly blind Rohingya refugee dies after Border Patrol drop-off in Buffalo

Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a 56-year-old nearly blind Rohingya refugee from Myanmar, was released from Erie County jail on February 19, 2026, after U.S. Border Patrol agents determined he was ineligible for deportation. Border Patrol agents dropped him at a Tim Hortons coffee shop north of Buffalo without notifying his family or attorney. Surveillance footage contradicted DHS claims that the location was safe and open; the store was closed except for the drive-thru. Alam, who spoke little English and required a cane to walk, went missing for several days. His body was found on February 24 near KeyBank Center, approximately four miles from the coffee shop. Local officials later ruled his death a homicide, caused by complications of a perforated duodenal ulcer precipitated by hypothermia and dehydration.

Timeline

Apr 1, 2026Medical examiner ruled death a homicide, caused by complications of perforated duodenal ulcer precipitated by hypothermia and dehydration
Feb 24, 2026Body of Alam found near KeyBank Center, approximately four miles from the coffee shop where he was dropped
Feb 19, 2026Nurul Amin Shah Alam released from Erie County jail after Border Patrol determined he was ineligible for deportation; agents dropped him at Tim Hortons coffee shop north of Buffalo without notifying family or attorney

Sources

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