An investigation into the death of a visually impaired refugee from Myanmar found on a Buffalo, N.Y., street in February has concluded that it was a homicide, according to the Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office. The official cause of death for Nurul Amin Shah Alam was determined to be complications of a perforated duodenal ulcer, exacerbated by hypothermia and dehydration. However, labeling the death as a homicide implies that it was a result of another person’s actions or negligence, though it does not automatically indicate criminal intent.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz expressed dismay at the situation, stating, “This should not have happened,” during a news briefing on Wednesday. When questioned about the potential responsibility of the Border Patrol in the incident, Poloncarz refrained from making any direct accusations, deferring the decision to law enforcement authorities.
Both State Attorney General Letitia James and Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane confirmed that their offices are examining the case. Keane mentioned that his office had requested the full autopsy report of Shah Alam but refrained from offering further comments, deeming it inappropriate at the moment.
Border agency denies culpability
U.S. Customs and Border Protection reiterated their previous stance that Shah Alam did not exhibit any distress or mobility issues when he was dropped off at a Tim Hortons by agents on Feb. 19. In late February, the Department of Homeland Security, the parent agency of the Border Patrol, dismissed any association between Shah Alam’s death and the actions of the Border Patrol, criticizing media coverage for allegedly vilifying law enforcement.
The Border Patrol’s statement clarified that Shah Alam willingly accepted a ride to a nearby coffee shop for his comfort and safety, given his last known address. It was revealed that the Tim Hortons location was closed at the time of drop-off. Surveillance footage obtained by Investigative Post showed Shah Alam cautiously navigating the empty parking lot in jail booties provided by the county, bracing against the cold with his hood up before disappearing into the night.
Shah Alam was reported missing to Buffalo police on Feb. 22 by his attorney. Advocates for immigrants called for justice for Shah Alam, a member of the persecuted Muslim Rohingya ethnic minority from Myanmar.
Shah Alam, who sought refuge in the U.S., tragically met his demise on the streets instead, stated Murad Awawdeh, president of the New York Immigration Coalition, advocating for a thorough investigation into the conduct of Border Patrol agents and holding all involved parties accountable.
Governor condemns ‘cruelty and inhumanity’
Governor Kathy Hochul demanded accountability for the handling of the situation and confirmed that her team had engaged with the district attorney. Expressing outrage at the treatment of a vulnerable individual left outside a closed establishment, Hochul criticized the lack of compassion and responsibility displayed.
Although many specifics regarding Shah Alam’s health and final days remain undisclosed due to confidentiality laws, Erie County Health Commissioner Gale Burstein disclosed that Shah Alam developed a stress ulcer that led to his untimely demise. His body was discovered near the downtown sports arena where the Buffalo Sabres play on Feb. 24, several miles away from the Tim Hortons. The exact time of death was indeterminable.
Shah Alam’s family, awaiting his release, was not notified of his passing, as it is not legally required for Border Patrol to inform them, as per local immigrant advocates.