A 20-year-old Haitian immigrant who legally entered the U.S. in 2023 died by suicide on Monday after wearing an ICE-issued ankle monitor, his family and advocates said. The Ohio Highway Patrol confirmed Pierre Damas Bel was struck by a tractor-trailer on a highway outside Springfield, Ohio, and died at the scene.
The Clark County Coroner’s Office has not yet released an official cause of death, but Bel’s family and community members allege his mental health deteriorated after he was fitted with the monitor on July 29. Bel had been enrolled at Wright State University and played soccer at Wittenberg University, where he was recruited to join the team this fall.
Bel’s father stated in a public address that his son felt humiliated and treated like an animal after the monitor was placed. Bel had reportedly asked ICE to remove the device, citing embarrassment over wearing it in front of classmates. ICE confirmed Bel was enrolled in the alternative to detention program and had entered the U.S. legally under a now-defunct Biden-era program that allowed migrants in Mexico to request entry via the CBP One app.
ICE stated Bel was not required to remain in the U.S. while wearing the monitor and could have chosen voluntary departure through the CBP Home app, which offers a government-arranged flight home and a $3,000 stipend. The agency declined to comment further on the circumstances of Bel’s death.
Timeline of Key Events
- 2023: Bel legally entered the U.S. under a Biden-era program allowing migrants in Mexico to request entry via the CBP One app.
- July 29, 2024: ICE fitted Bel with an ankle monitor while he remained in immigration proceedings.
- August 2024: Bel’s family and advocates allege his mental health declined due to the monitor, which he wore in public settings.
- September 2024 (exact date unspecified): Bel died after walking into oncoming traffic on a highway outside Springfield, Ohio. The Ohio Highway Patrol is investigating the incident.
Community and Academic Impact
Bel was remembered by friends, family, and university officials as an honors student, soccer player, and community leader. Wright State University and Wittenberg University issued statements expressing grief over his death. Advocates described him as someone who prioritized education and encouraged his younger brother to pursue academic success despite challenges.
Bel’s family and supporters held a news conference on Tuesday, where they shared his struggles with mental health and the perceived stigma of wearing the ankle monitor. Obed Benjamin, a community advocate, stated Bel had expressed depression multiple times, attributing it to the monitor’s emotional toll.
ICE Response and Policy Context
ICE emphasized that Bel was not detained and had the option to self-deport through the CBP Home app. The agency reiterated that no one is obligated to remain in the U.S. while wearing a GPS monitor. Bel’s entry into the U.S. was part of a temporary protection program that has since been discontinued, leaving some migrants in legal limbo.
The case has renewed discussions about the mental health impacts of immigration enforcement measures, particularly for young adults in academic or community settings. Local and state officials, including Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, have described the death as a tragedy, though no formal policy review has been announced.
Ongoing Investigation
The Ohio Highway Patrol is treating Bel’s death as a traffic fatality pending further investigation. The Clark County Coroner’s Office has not yet released a final determination on the cause of death. Bel’s family has not indicated whether they plan to pursue legal action against ICE or other entities.