Erie County Medical Examiner Rules Refugee's Death a Homicide Following Border Patrol Incident
The Erie County Medical Examiner's Office has ruled the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a nearly-blind refugee from Myanmar, as a homicide. Shah Alam died from complications of a perforated duodenal ulcer, exacerbated by hypothermia and dehydration, after being left outside a coffee shop in Buffalo, New York, by U.S. Border Patrol agents. The ruling indicates that his death resulted from another person's actions or inaction, though it does not necessarily imply criminal intent. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz expressed condolences to Shah Alam's family, stating the death could have been prevented. Shah Alam was dropped off at the coffee shop after Border Patrol agents determined he could not be deported. The incident has sparked criticism from local officials, including Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan, who described the decision as unprofessional and inhumane. 
