Family Blames Suicide of 20-Year-Old Haitian Immigrant on ICE Crackdown
- On Monday, 20-year-old Haitian native Pierre Damas Bel died after stepping into traffic on Interstate 70; his family stated the death was driven by despair and humiliation from an ankle monitor issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
- ICE issued the monitor on July 29 after the government terminated Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, disqualifying Bel from college soccer and ROTC, which his family says triggered severe bullying and isolation from peers.
- Bel detailed his struggle in an Instagram post, writing, "Yet now I'm walking through the streets of the United States with a GPS monitor on my leg carrying a feeling of shame and humiliation that I never imagined I would experience."
- Pastor Carl Ruby of the Central Christian Church called on Republican lawmakers Tuesday to "put an end to the shackling program," while Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine labeled the incident a "horrible tragedy."
- The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigation remains open; meanwhile, the Haitian Support Network is planning a memorial for Bel next week, as advocates urge officials to review the human impact of these policies.
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15 Articles
Haitian man dies by apparent suicide after being fitted with ICE ankle monitor
The family of a Haitian student in Ohio says he died by suicide after losing his immigration status and being forced to wear an ankle monitor, CNN’s Omar Jimenez reports. This story involves discussion about suicide that some readers may find upsetting. If you feel you are in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 24-hour Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Family members of a 20-year-old Haitian student who committed suicide on Monday in Ohio, U.S.A., attributed on Wednesday part of the young man’s reasons to the “humiliation” he felt by wearing an Immigration and Customs Service (ICE) location device on his ankle, according to local media.
The family of a young Haitian who took his life in Ohio blames the "humiliation" of the location device on his ankle.Pierre Damas Bel, who aspired to be an athlete, was embarrassed and harassed by the GPS monitor, which affected his academic and sports life.
"Hurting my heart" - Naomi Osaka devastated over reports of 20y/o Haitian student dying by suicide amid ICE 'humiliation'
Naomi Osaka recently reacted to reports surrounding the death of 20-year-old Haitian student Pierre Damas Bel, who died by an apparent suicide amid reports of bullying linked to an ICE GPS ankle monit
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.
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