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Near-Blind Rohingya Refugee Found Dead in Buffalo After Border Patrol Drop-Off

An autopsy found a health-related cause of death, prompting a police review of his release to a coffee shop miles from home.

Overview

  • Nurul Amin Shah Alam, 56, was found dead Tuesday night in downtown Buffalo five days after agents left him at a Tim Hortons about five miles from his residence.
  • Buffalo homicide detectives are investigating the timeline and circumstances following his Feb. 19 release from custody.
  • The Erie County Medical Examiner determined his death was health-related, with exposure and homicide ruled out, according to city officials.
  • CBP said agents offered a courtesy ride to a "warm, safe" location near his last known address and reported no visible distress or disabilities requiring special assistance.
  • Shah Alam’s family and attorney said they were not told where he was dropped off after a county-to-federal handoff tied to an ICE detainer, and Buffalo’s mayor condemned the release decision as inhumane.