by Hafizur Rahman
Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a 56 year old Rohingya refugee who was almost completely blind, was found dead on a downtown Buffalo street days after being released from custody and dropped off miles from his home.
Shah Alam and his family arrived in Buffalo in December 2024 as legally resettled refugees from Myanmar’s Rakhine State. After fleeing violence against Rohingya Muslims, they hoped to begin a safe new life in the United States.
Arrest After Getting Lost
On 15 February 2025, Shah Alam left his West Side home for a walk on a sunny morning. Because of his poor eyesight, he had purchased a curtain rod from a nearby store to use as a walking stick.
When the weather changed, he became disoriented and wandered into a backyard in the Riverside neighborhood. The homeowner contacted police, reporting that he had opened a gate, let a dog out, and damaged a shed door with the curtain rod.
Police said Shah Alam was swinging the rod in a threatening manner. His attorney, Benjamin Macaluso of the Legal Aid Bureau, said Shah Alam was confused and frightened, not violent.
Body camera footage shows officers shouting at him to drop the rod and warning that he would be Tased. Officers then deployed Tasers and tackled him. During the struggle, Shah Alam appeared to say, “I can’t breathe.” Police later stated that he bit two officers. He was charged with assault, trespassing, and possession of a weapon, referring to the curtain rod.
A Year in Jail
Following his arrest, an immigration detainer was placed on Shah Alam. Bail was set at 5,000 dollars, but his family feared that paying it could result in his transfer to immigration authorities. They decided to leave him in jail so they could continue visiting him.
Months later, prosecutors offered a plea agreement. Shah Alam pleaded guilty to trespassing and misdemeanor possession of a weapon. Officials said they considered his health condition, time already served, and possible immigration consequences in reaching the agreement.
His immigration lawyer said the charges did not make him deportable and that federal officials had indicated he would not be detained upon release.
Dropped Off at Closed Coffee Shop
On the day of his release, Shah Alam was handed over to United States Border Patrol instead of being released directly to his family. According to officials, agents later determined that he was not subject to removal.
Border Patrol said agents offered him a ride and dropped him off at a Tim Hortons on Niagara Street, describing it as a safe location near his last known address.
However, the coffee shop was closed at the time. Surveillance footage shows Shah Alam exiting the vehicle and walking near the building before the van drove away about a minute later.
Authorities were reportedly unaware that his family had moved to a different neighborhood about five miles away while he was in jail.
Search and Tragic End
That evening, his family waited at the jail, expecting him to be released there. When he did not arrive, his lawyer searched for him at a federal detention center, believing he had been transferred. He was not there.
After days of searching, Shah Alam was found dead on a downtown Buffalo street.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the cause of death.
Community Reaction
Friends and community members say his death could have been prevented if he had been safely returned to his family. They describe him as vulnerable, unable to speak English, and in poor health.
Shah Alam leaves behind his wife and children in Buffalo, as well as three sons still in Myanmar. His family is now facing financial and emotional hardship as they mourn his death.
Community members are calling for answers about why a nearly blind refugee was left alone in an unfamiliar area instead of being reunited with his family.
