The death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a nearly blind refugee from Myanmar, has been officially ruled a homicide, Erie County authorities announced Wednesday. Alam was discovered on a Buffalo street in February, five days after being released by Border Patrol agents at a Tim Hortons restaurant.

Details of the Investigation

The Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Alam’s death was caused by complications from a perforated duodenal ulcer, exacerbated by hypothermia and dehydration. While the ruling identifies the death as a result of another person’s actions – or inaction – it does not automatically imply criminal wrongdoing.

Official Statements

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz stated, “This should not have happened.” He deferred questions regarding responsibility to law enforcement agencies. Both New York State Attorney General Letitia James and Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane confirmed their offices are reviewing the case. Keane indicated that commenting further would be “inappropriate” at this time, pending the full autopsy report.

Border Patrol Response

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reiterated its previous statement, claiming Alam “showed no signs of distress, mobility issues, or disabilities requiring special assistance” when dropped off at the Tim Hortons on February 19th. The Department of Homeland Security, CBP’s parent agency, previously dismissed news coverage as an attempt “to demonize our law enforcement.”

Advocates Demand Justice

Immigrant advocates are calling for justice for Alam, a member of the persecuted Rohingya Muslim minority. Murad Awawdeh, President of the New York Immigration Coalition, stated that Alam “was left to die in the street” and demanded a criminal investigation into the Border Patrol agents involved. Governor Kathy Hochul echoed these calls for accountability, describing the situation as “cruelty and inhumanity.”

Alam’s Background and Final Days

Alam, 56, fled Myanmar years ago and lived in Malaysia before arriving in the U.S. as a refugee with his family in December 2024. He had spent approximately a year in Erie County jail on misdemeanor charges following an altercation with police in 2025. He was released on February 19th, and Border Patrol briefly detained him before determining he wasn’t eligible for deportation. His family was not notified of his release.

Circumstances of Death

Surveillance footage showed Alam walking away from the Tim Hortons in jail-issued booties. He was found dead on February 24th near a sports arena several miles away. The exact time and manner of his travel remain unclear. Erie County Health Commissioner Gale Burstein explained that Alam developed a stress ulcer due to dehydration and cold exposure, which ultimately proved fatal.

Imran Fazal, a community leader, emphasized that “This tragedy was entirely preventable, and it reflects a serious failure in the systems meant to protect vulnerable people.”