Federal and local authorities continue to face questions following the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a 56-year-old Rohingya refugee whose body was discovered in Buffalo, New York, days after he was released from custody by U.S. Border Patrol.
Nurul Amin Shah Alam had entered the United States as a refugee on December 24, 2024, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
He had recently been held at the Erie County Holding Center on state charges that were later reduced.
After posting bond on February 19, he was transferred briefly to federal custody due to an immigration detainer.
Customs and Border Protection stated that agents determined Shah Alam was not subject to deportation and released him that same evening.
Federal officials said agents offered him what they described as a “courtesy ride” to a location near his last known address.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, he did not appear to require medical assistance at the time of his release.
Surveillance footage later confirmed that Shah Alam was dropped off outside a Tim Hortons coffee shop that had already closed for the night.
The video shows him standing near the locked entrance and later walking alone through the surrounding area.
Family members said they were not notified of his release. Shah Alam was reported missing on February 22 after relatives and his attorney were unable to reach him.
His body was found on February 24, approximately four miles from where he had been dropped off. First responders attempted life-saving measures, but he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan publicly criticized how the release was handled, stating that federal agents could have contacted relatives or coordinated with local authorities to ensure a safer transition.
Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane previously said his office had reduced Shah Alam’s charges to misdemeanors after considering his health condition and other factors.
Community advocate Khaleda Shah, speaking on behalf of the family, called for accountability and transparency in the investigation. U.S. Representative Tim Kennedy has requested a full review of the incident, and New York Attorney General Letitia James confirmed that her office is examining the matter.
Authorities have not yet publicly released the official cause of death.
The Buffalo Police Department’s homicide unit is reviewing the timeline between Shah Alam’s release and when he was found, while federal officials maintain that agents followed protocol.
The case has sparked renewed debate about procedures for releasing individuals from federal immigration custody, particularly those with limited English proficiency or medical vulnerabilities.