Erie County Medical Examiner Rules Nurul Amin Shah Alam Death Homicide

The Erie County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death as a homicide.

“Published on February 26, 2026 at 4:04 PM A week ago, Nurul Amin Shah Alam disappeared”

20 Minutes

The cause was complications of a perforated duodenal ulcer precipitated by hypothermia and dehydration.

20 Minutes

The homicide designation does not necessarily imply criminal intent.

Erie County Executive Poloncarz said this should not have happened.

Shah Alam was arrested after getting lost and carrying a curtain rod he used as a cane.

He was detained for nearly a year before being released and turned over to ICE.

Associated Press

CBP dropped him off several miles from his home without notifying family or counsel.

The Buffalo mayor described the actions as unprofessional and inhumane.

Shah Alam suffered from a stress ulcer that burst open.

“A Burmese refugee who was nearly blind and had disappeared after an arrest by the U”

BFM

Hypothermia and dehydration contributed due to no access to liquids.

Homicide as a manner of death includes negligent acts or omissions.

The ruling challenges CBP's assertion that their actions had nothing to do with his death.

The New York attorney general and Erie County DA have launched investigations.

CBP's decision runs counter to principles of care for detainees.

El Español

The case adds to mounting pressure on federal immigration enforcement.