A 56-year-old refugee from Myanmar who vanished after being released by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Buffalo has been found dead, prompting a police investigation and sharp criticism from city and state leaders.
Body Discovered Near Downtown Arena
Nurul Amin Shah Alam was reported missing after federal agents released him at a Tim Hortons location in Buffalo on Feb. 19. Five days later, his body was discovered near the downtown arena where the Buffalo Sabres play.
Authorities have not determined how Shah Alam traveled from the coffee shop, located several miles away, to the downtown area. The Erie County medical examiner is investigating the cause of death. While Buffalo police initially indicated the death appeared health-related and not the result of exposure or foul play, the Erie County Department of Health later clarified that no official conclusion had yet been reached.
Detectives continue to examine the circumstances leading up to his death.
Family Says They Were Not Notified
Shah Alam, who was nearly blind and spoke limited English, had been detained by Border Patrol on Feb. 19 following his release from county jail. Federal authorities determined he was not eligible for deportation and released him later that day.
Instead of being freed directly from the detention facility, agents transported him to a Tim Hortons café north of downtown Buffalo. His family, who were waiting at the jail expecting his release, said they were not informed of the change in plans.
Concern grew when his lawyer learned that a regional immigration detention center did not have him in custody. A missing persons report was filed with Buffalo police on Feb. 22.
Mayor Criticizes Federal Response
Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan described the incident as a “dereliction of duty,” arguing that federal agents failed to ensure Shah Alam’s safety.
“A vulnerable man — nearly blind and unable to speak English — was left alone on a cold winter night,” Ryan said in a public statement. He also noted that Shah Alam was reportedly wearing temporary footwear issued by the county holding center, rather than winter-appropriate shoes.
The mayor said the federal government should have ensured he was released into a secure environment, particularly given his physical limitations.
Border Patrol Defends Actions
U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated that agents offered Shah Alam a courtesy ride and transported him to what they described as a warm, safe location near his last known address. According to the agency, he did not display visible signs of distress or require special assistance at the time of his release.
The agency has not commented further on whether additional protocols were considered given his medical and language challenges.
Harsh Winter Conditions During Disappearance
During the days Shah Alam was missing, temperatures in Buffalo dropped below freezing, with light snowfall reported across the city.
Community advocates say Shah Alam had difficulty walking without a cane and struggled with vision impairment. Friends and family members believe those conditions may have contributed to his vulnerability.
Shah Alam arrived in the United States in December 2024 with his wife and two children, seeking safety and new opportunities. He had previously worked in construction while living in Malaysia.
Legal Background and Immigration Hold
Buffalo police arrested Shah Alam in early 2025 following an incident in which two officers sustained minor injuries. Prosecutors initially filed felony charges, but he later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor offenses including trespassing and possession of a weapon. Sentencing was scheduled for March.
Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane said prosecutors agreed to reduce the charges in part to avoid triggering mandatory deportation tied to a felony conviction.
After his arrest, federal authorities placed an immigration detainer on Shah Alam. When his bail was posted on Feb. 19, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office notified federal officials, who took custody of him briefly before releasing him later that evening.
Calls for Accountability
Family spokesperson Khaleda Shah said relatives are seeking justice and greater awareness for vulnerable immigrants navigating the legal system.
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has requested a full explanation from federal authorities regarding the handling of Shah Alam’s release. New York Attorney General Letitia James said her office is reviewing possible legal steps.
Community leaders say the case highlights broader concerns about coordination between local and federal agencies, particularly when dealing with individuals who face medical, language, or mobility challenges.
As investigators work to determine the precise cause and timeline of Shah Alam’s death, advocates are calling for clearer release procedures to prevent similar tragedies.