Haitian Student’s Death Sparks Immigration Policy Outcry

A Haitian-born college student in Ohio, Pierre Damas Bel, tragically died in an incident believed by his family to be suicide. This came after the Trump administration ended Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS), stripping Bel and others of their protections.

Bel, at 20 years old, was struck by oncoming traffic after parking his vehicle off Interstate 70. Ohio State Highway Patrol confirmed the fatal injuries and noted the ongoing investigation.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine described Bel’s death as a ‘horrible tragedy’.

Governor DeWine highlighted Bel’s positive community involvement. He was a well-liked high school graduate, active in junior ROTC, and had ambitions to contribute significantly to the U.S.

Bel’s family reported his distress after being fitted with an ankle monitor, mandated by the Department of Homeland Security. This move followed legal clearance to terminate Haiti’s TPS, leaving around 350,000 Haitian nationals facing deportation.

‘I did not recognize him in his last days,’ said Pierre Ronal Bel, Pierre’s father, reflecting on his son’s changed demeanor due to the monitoring.

Pierre Bel publicly shared his struggles with the ankle monitor, expressing feelings of shame and humiliation. He stated the difficulty of playing college sports while being monitored in such a manner.

Springfield pastor Carl Ruby connected Bel’s suicide to the adverse impacts of President Trump’s immigration policies targeting TPS. The family communicated their belief in this connection and shared their grievances publicly.

Springfield’s Haitian immigrant community, comprising roughly 15,000 individuals, faces return to a home country beset by violence and poverty.

ICE refrained from commenting on Pierre’s death pending investigation and declined to address unverified claims involving other individuals.

Bel graduated high school in May, preparing for his freshman year at Wright State University, unable to continue soccer at Wittenberg University due to his monitor. His participation in campus and sports was hampered by his circumstances.

Wright State University President Sue Edwards expressed condolences on behalf of the university, acknowledging Bel’s engagement and loss.