Family blames suicide of 20-year-old Haitian immigrant on ICE crackdown
A 20-year-old Haitian native died by suicide in Ohio this week, his family says, a death his father said was driven in part by feelings of despair and humiliation after ICE fitted him with an ankle monitor.
Pierre Damas Bel, a 20-year-old Haitian immigrant and student in Springfield, Ohio, took his own life on Monday, his family claims, likely driven by feelings of despair and humiliation following his placement with an ankle monitor by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The device was fitted to Bel in July as part of his ongoing immigration proceedings, according to ICE.
Bel's father expressed that his son felt mistreated and ashamed while wearing the monitor, particularly when seen by classmates at college. In a statement, the Ohio Highway Patrol said Bel drove his car onto a highway shoulder and was struck by a tractor-trailer, succumbing to fatal injuries at the scene. ICE denied any responsibility for Bel's death, stating that individuals are not obligated to remain in the U.S. illegally while wearing a GPS monitor.
They offered an alternative for illegal migrants: to self-deport via the CBP Home app, receiving a government flight home and a $3,000 check. Bel had previously posted on Instagram about his feelings of shame and humiliation due to the ankle monitor. The termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians in late July led to over 300,000 individuals losing their protections and becoming vulnerable to arrest and potential deportation.
For those struggling with emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available for support.
Written by urgent.news from CBS News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
