Family blames suicide of 20-year-old Haitian immigrant on ICE crackdown
Summary
Pierre Damas Bel, a 20-year-old Haitian student in Ohio, died by suicide after being fitted with an ankle monitor by ICE as part of his immigration case. His family said the ankle monitor caused him embarrassment and despair after losing his protected status, while ICE said the monitor was part of legal immigration proceedings.Key Facts
- Pierre Damas Bel was a Haitian immigrant studying and playing soccer in Springfield, Ohio.
- ICE fitted Bel with an ankle monitor on July 29 during his immigration process.
- Bel had previously held Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which was ended for Haitians after a Supreme Court decision.
- Bel expressed feelings of shame and humiliation about wearing the ankle monitor publicly.
- Bel died by suicide after walking into traffic on a highway outside Springfield.
- ICE said Bel entered the U.S. legally in 2024 via a now-ended program allowing migrants to enter through a smartphone app.
- ICE stated people have the option to leave the U.S. voluntarily and receive support, denying responsibility for Bel’s death.
- Mental health resources and crisis helplines were provided alongside coverage of this story.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
