Pierre Damas Bel, a Haitian immigrant, was known as a talented student and soccer player in Springfield, Ohio. His involvement in the junior ROTC program at his high school showcased his dedication. Tragically, he died by suicide, an act his family attributes in part to his experiences with U.S. immigration authorities.
This summer, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) fitted Bel with an ankle monitor. According to his father, this led to feelings of despair and humiliation. The family stated that Bel felt like he was being treated as an animal after this incident. He repeatedly requested ICE to remove the monitor due to embarrassment in college.
The Ohio Highway Patrol reported the tragic event, noting Bel parked on a highway shoulder and walked into traffic, where he was hit by a tractor-trailer. The case is still under investigation.
In a statement, ICE justified the ankle monitor’s placement on July 29 as part of Bel’s ongoing immigration proceedings. Bel had legally entered the U.S. in 2024 via a now-defunct app-based program under the Biden administration that allowed migrants to enter the country.
The agency rejected any connection between their actions and Bel’s death. They stated that no one is obliged to remain in the U.S. illegally with a GPS monitor, offering self-deportation as an option through the CBP Home app, which includes a government-arranged flight and financial assistance.
Bel expressed his distress in an Instagram post, noting he did not intend to commit crimes. Instead, he felt ashamed walking in the U.S. with the ankle monitor. His situation was exacerbated when the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians ended following a Supreme Court ruling, affecting more than 300,000 individuals.
For those experiencing emotional distress, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988, offering support to those in need. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) also provides assistance via their HelpLine.