Nearly Blind Burmese Refugee Found Dead in Buffalo After Release to Border Patrol

Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a 56-year-old Burmese refugee, was found dead in Buffalo, New York, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, after being released into the custody of U.S. Border Patrol. The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation, raising questions about the support provided to vulnerable individuals after release from custody.

Disappearance and Discovery

Alam had been missing since February 19, 2026, after being dropped off by Border Patrol agents at a Tim Hortons restaurant on Niagara Street, approximately five miles from his home The Guardian. He was last seen near the intersection of Niagara Street and Ontario Street earlier this week, according to the Buffalo Police Department WKBW. Police responded to a report of a deceased individual on the first block of Perry Street around 8:30 p.m. On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, and identified Alam through the Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office WKBW.

Prior Arrest and Custody

Alam was initially arrested by the Buffalo Police Department in February 2025, following an incident where he became disoriented while walking and ended up on a woman’s porch, using a curtain rod as a walking stick The Guardian. The woman contacted the police, and when Alam did not comply with commands to drop the curtain rod, he was tasered and beaten by officers, according to his attorney The Guardian. He was subsequently held at the Erie County Holding Center for approximately one year.

Release and Border Patrol Detainer

Alam was released from the Erie County Holding Center on February 19, 2026, after bail was posted WKBW. U.S. Border Patrol had lodged an immigration detainer upon his admission to the holding center, and were notified of his pending release WKBW. The Erie County Sheriff’s Office stated they did not delay Alam’s release and that Border Patrol agents were present at the holding center prior to his departure WKBW.

Cause of Death and Investigation

The Erie County Medical Examiner conducted a full autopsy and determined that Alam’s cause of death was health-related WKBW. Exposure and homicide have been ruled out WKBW. However, Buffalo police homicide detectives are investigating the circumstances leading up to his death The Guardian.

Concerns and Reactions

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo expressed sadness upon learning of Alam’s death and stated they are unable to provide further comment due to ethical obligations The Guardian. Alam arrived in Buffalo in December 2024 and is survived by his wife and two sons The Guardian. Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane stated his office had anticipated Alam remaining in jail until his sentencing next month in a case involving injuries to two Buffalo police officers Buffalo News.