The death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a 56-year-old Rohingya refugee living in Buffalo, New York, is under active investigation after he was found deceased days following his release from federal custody, according to local authorities and community leaders.
Buffalo police confirmed that Shah Alam had been reported missing before his body was discovered on a city street.
Officials stated that homicide detectives are reviewing the timeline and circumstances surrounding his disappearance and death.
As of the latest update, the official cause of death has not been publicly released, and authorities have not announced any criminal charges connected to the case.
Shah Alam had fled persecution against the Rohingya minority in Myanmar (formerly Burma) and resettled in Buffalo approximately 15 months ago, according to members of the local Rohingya community.
Advocates say he had significant visual impairment and spoke limited English, relying heavily on family members for daily support.
Community representatives report that Shah Alam had recently been detained following an encounter with law enforcement.
According to individuals familiar with the case, he was arrested after carrying what authorities described as a rod, which advocates say he used as a walking aid due to his limited vision.
After spending time in custody, he reportedly resolved his local charges through a plea agreement that addressed an immigration detainer.
Following his release from jail, U.S. Border Patrol took custody of Shah Alam. Community advocates allege that he was later released at a commercial location several miles from his residence without transportation or notification to his family.
Federal authorities have not publicly detailed the exact circumstances of his release, and no official statement has been issued confirming or disputing those claims.
Family members began searching for him when he did not return home. There was initial confusion about whether he remained in immigration custody. Days later, he was found deceased.
Imran Fazel, a Buffalo-based Rohingya community advocate who has worked closely with the family, expressed concern about the handling of the situation, stating that many refugees arrive in the United States seeking safety after surviving violence and displacement in their home countries.
Local law enforcement has emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are working to determine the precise sequence of events from the time of Shah Alam’s release to the discovery of his death.
Officials have not indicated evidence of foul play but have stated that all possibilities are being examined.
Shah Alam is survived by his wife and two sons. Community leaders in Buffalo are calling for transparency regarding federal procedures and additional safeguards for vulnerable individuals with disabilities or language barriers who are released from custody.
Further updates are expected once medical examiners complete their review and investigators finalize their findings.
