Erie County Rules Nearly Blind Rohingya Refugee’s Death After Border Patrol Tim Hortons Drop‑Off a Homicide
Erie County’s medical examiner ruled the death of nearly blind Rohingya refugee Nurul Amin Shah Alam a homicide, finding he died from complications of a perforated duodenal ulcer precipitated by hypothermia and dehydration after U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents left him at a Tim Hortons in Buffalo. The examiner noted a homicide ruling means the death resulted from another person’s actions or inaction but does not determine criminal liability; CBP has said Shah Alam showed no signs of distress or mobility issues when released, while officials say the Tim Hortons was closed, his family was not notified, and his lawyer reported him missing Feb. 22 before his body was found two days later near the Buffalo Sabres arena.
📌 Key Facts
- Erie County Medical Examiner ruled the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam a homicide caused by complications of a perforated duodenal ulcer, precipitated by hypothermia and dehydration.
- The medical examiner clarified that a homicide ruling means the death resulted from another person’s actions or inaction but does not itself determine criminal liability.
- Shah Alam, a Rohingya refugee who was nearly blind, was left by U.S. Border Patrol agents at a Buffalo Tim Hortons (doughnut shop).
- CBP told investigators Shah Alam showed no signs of distress, mobility issues or disabilities requiring special assistance when agents left him; Buffalo’s mayor said the Tim Hortons was closed at the time.
- Shah Alam’s family was not informed of his release; his lawyer reported him missing on Feb. 22, and his body was found two days later near the Buffalo Sabres’ arena.
📊 Relevant Data
Since 2010, the United States has resettled more than 17,000 Rohingya refugees, including 2,800 in fiscal year 2024.
US has resettled 2800 Rohingyas this fiscal year so far — Daily Sun
Among Rohingya refugees surveyed in camps, 26.9% had diseases of the gastrointestinal system and hepatobiliary system, compared to lower rates in general populations.
Health problems among Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals — PMC
Lower temperatures significantly increase the risk of gastroenteritis among Rohingya refugees in camps, with incidence rising during colder periods.
Colder temperatures increase gastroenteritis risk in Rohingya refugee camps — Medical Xpress
In 2025, 30 people died in ICE detention, with additional deaths in 2026, reflecting ongoing issues in detention and release practices.
U.S.-Mexico Border Update: Detention deaths, DHS appropriations, ICE warrants, December data — WOLA
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- ABC piece reiterates that the Erie County Medical Examiner ruled the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam a homicide caused by complications of a perforated duodenal ulcer, precipitated by hypothermia and dehydration.
- It adds that, according to the medical examiner, a homicide ruling means the death resulted from another person’s actions or inaction but does not itself determine criminal liability.
- The article notes that CBP previously stated Shah Alam showed no signs of distress, mobility issues or disabilities requiring special assistance when agents left him at the Tim Hortons, which Buffalo’s mayor says was closed at the time.
- It emphasizes that Shah Alam was nearly blind, that his family was not informed of his release, and that his lawyer reported him missing on Feb. 22 before his body was found two days later near the Buffalo Sabres’ arena.