Shah Alam case: death ruled a homicide after being abandoned by immigration agents
Posted on 04/03/26 at 15:00
- Death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam classified as homicide
- Refugee abandoned in parking lot
- Authorities deny responsibility
The death of a visually impaired refugee in New York has been classified as a homicide by forensic authorities in Erie County.
The case involves Nurul Amin Shah Alam, 56, originally from Burma, who was found dead after being abandoned in a parking lot, according to EFE.
- Why it matters: The homicide determination raises questions about the actions of immigration agents and possible failures in handling the case.
Death of refugee abandoned in New York ruled a homicide
Video Shows Tense 2025 Arrest of Refugee Who Was Later Found Dead in Buffalo After Being Dropped Off by Border Control
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New footage shows Buffalo police’s encounter with 56-year-old Nurul Amin Shah Alam during an arrest in 2025, before he was found dead nearly a… pic.twitter.com/DKbT8VORMj
— The Facts Dude 🤙🏽 (@Thefactsdude) February 27, 2026
A New York state medical examiner concluded that Shah Alam’s death was a homicide.
Authorities in Erie County reported that the cause was complications from a stress-induced ulcer.
Factors such as hypothermia and dehydration were also identified.
According to the official statement, the homicide classification is due to a “voluntary act of another person.”
This may include direct actions or negligence by omission.
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However, authorities have not directly identified immigration agents as responsible of the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam.
County commissioner Gale Burstein clarified that this classification “does not indicate criminality.”
She added that any legal determination corresponds to the judicial system.
Abandonment in parking lot and discovery of the body
AROUND THE STATE: The Erie County Medical Examiner has ruled the death of Rohingya refugee Nurul Amin Shah Alam a homicide, caused by medical complications linked to hypothermia and dehydration after his release from CBP custody in Buffalo. https://t.co/vbREhggGuG pic.twitter.com/XxSuMWprG2
— News 8 WROC (@News_8) April 1, 2026
Shah Alam was found dead on February 24 near downtown Buffalo, New York.
He belonged to the Rohingya Muslim minority, historically persecuted.
He had arrived in the United States as a refugee with his family in 2024.
Previously, he had served more than a year in prison for minor offenses.
His arrest occurred after a violent encounter with police officers.
On February 19, his family was expecting his release.
Without notifying his relatives, he was transferred to Border Patrol.
Authorities later determined that he could not be deported.
That same day, security cameras captured the moment Nurul Amin Shah Alam was abandoned.
The incident occurred around 8:00 p.m. in a commercial parking lot.
Five days later, he was found dead.
Family seeks answers and authorities deny responsibility
After Nurul Amin Shah Alam went missing, the family launched a campaign on social media.
They also mobilized the community to locate him.
The case gained attention after videos were shared by national media.
Border Patrol and the Department of Homeland Security denied any connection to his death.
Both agencies stated that the man showed no signs of distress.
They also claimed he had no mobility issues or disabilities requiring assistance.
These statements contrast with reports of his visual impairment.
So far, no charges have been filed and no direct responsibility has been established.
The Shah Alam remains under public and legal scrutiny.
