The city of Buffalo is reeling from the discovery of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a 56-year-old refugee from Myanmar, found deceased near the KeyBank Center. His disappearance followed a release by U.S. Border Patrol agents, leaving a family and community searching for answers in a heartbreaking case.
Alam’s journey to the United States began in December 2024, driven by a desire to build a better life for his wife and two children. He arrived seeking opportunity after years working in construction in Malaysia, hoping for a fresh start in a new land.
His hopes were tragically cut short following an arrest a year ago, stemming from an incident that resulted in minor injuries to two Buffalo police officers. Initially facing serious charges, Alam ultimately pleaded guilty to misdemeanor trespassing and weapon possession, with sentencing scheduled for March.
The family, anticipating his release from the county jail on Thursday, waited patiently in the waiting room. Their hopes were dashed when they learned federal immigration authorities had lodged a detainer, transferring custody to Border Patrol.
Border Patrol detained Alam on February 19th, but released him the same day after determining he wasn’t eligible for deportation. Agents then transported him to a Tim Hortons in downtown Buffalo, a decision now under intense scrutiny.
Buffalo’s Mayor Sean Ryan has sharply criticized the Border Patrol’s actions, calling the release of a nearly blind, non-English speaking man into the cold winter night “unprofessional and inhumane.” He emphasized the preventable nature of this tragedy.
The agency defends its actions, stating Alam showed no outward signs of distress or disability. They claim to have offered a “courtesy ride” to the coffee shop, believing it a safe location near his last known address, rather than releasing him directly from the station.
However, the family reported Alam missing after being informed of his release location and failing to find him. He was last seen wearing orange booties issued by the county holding center, a stark detail in the search for answers.
His body was discovered Tuesday night, the circumstances surrounding his death and how he traveled from the Tim Hortons remaining unclear. The community, led by groups like the Rohingya Empowerment Community, is now focused on supporting the grieving family and demanding accountability.
Imran Fazal, founder of the Rohingya Empowerment Community, described the family’s devastation, recalling their hopeful wait at the jail. The tragedy underscores the vulnerabilities faced by refugees and the critical need for compassionate and responsible handling of vulnerable individuals by authorities.
