Haitian college student in Ohio dies after losing temporary protected status, family believes it to be suicide

<p>Pierre Damas Bel, a 20-year-old Haitian-born college student in Ohio, died on Monday in what his family believes to be a suicide after losing his temporary protected status (TPS) amid the Trump administration's termination of Haiti's TPS designation. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Bel died after walking into oncoming traffic on Interstate 70.</p><p>Bel succumbed to fatal injuries at the scene, and the incident is currently under investigation. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine stated that Bel's death is a "horrible, horrible tragedy." He noted that Bel was well-liked, had graduated from high school, was involved in junior ROTC, and had aspirations for his future in the United States.</p><p>Bel's father expressed that his son was "distraught" after being required to wear an ankle monitor, a condition imposed on some Haitian immigrants following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to end Haiti's TPS designation, which could affect approximately 350,000 Haitian nationals. His father described Bel as an energetic individual who loved life, friends, family, and education.</p><p>On the morning of his death, Bel contacted his father to express that he was not feeling well mentally. His father urged him to come home, but later received news from police about his son's death. A month prior, Bel had spoken out about the challenges of wearing an ankle monitor, stating on social media that he came to the U.S. to pursue education and not to be treated like a criminal.</p><p>Springfield pastor Carl Ruby indicated that the family believes Bel's death was a result of the immigration policies under President Trump. Ruby mentioned that Bel faced teasing from classmates regarding his ankle monitor. The family wishes to highlight that they believe this incident was a suicide linked to the immigration policies.</p><p>Many Haitian immigrants in Springfield have lived in the U.S. for years due to ongoing violence and poverty in their home country. In response to inquiries, ICE stated that it does not comment on the cause of death while investigations are ongoing.</p><p>Bel had recently graduated from high school and was set to begin his first semester at Wright State University. He had previously been unable to play college soccer at Wittenberg University due to the ankle monitor. Wright State University President Sue Edwards expressed that the institution is heartbroken by the loss and extended condolences to Bel's family and friends.</p>