Death Of Refugee Left At Doughnut Shop By Border Patrol Is Ruled Homicide

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The Tragic Death of a Blind Refugee from Myanmar

Nurul Amin Shah Alam, center, is seen in body camera footage being led by Buffalo Police officers on Feb. 15 in Buffalo, N.Y.

The recent death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a nearly blind refugee from Myanmar, has been ruled a homicide by authorities in Buffalo. He was found on the street five days after being left at a doughnut shop by Border Patrol agents. The Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office cited complications of a perforated duodenal ulcer, hypothermia, and dehydration as the cause of death.

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz expressed dismay at the incident, calling it a preventable tragedy. State Attorney General Letitia James and Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane are reviewing the case, but no conclusions have been reached about responsibility.

The 56-year-old was left at this Tim Horton's Coffee and Bakery shop in Buffalo after Border Patrol agents determined that he wasn't eligible for deportation. — The 56-year-old was left at this Tim Horton’s Coffee and Bakery shop in Buffalo after Border Patrol agents determined that he wasn’t eligible for deportation.

Immigrant advocates are calling for justice for Shah Alam, a member of the Rohingya ethnic minority who sought safety in the U.S. His tragic death has left many grieving and fearful, highlighting failures in the systems meant to protect vulnerable individuals.

Shah Alam’s story is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by refugees and the importance of compassion and accountability in our society.