US News
Haitian immigrant dies in Ohio after losing deportation protection, family reports
The man's relatives believe he took his own life after being placed on an ankle monitor following changes to immigration status rules.
The short version
- A Haitian immigrant identified as Pierre Damas Bel died on Monday in Ohio after being struck by a vehicle.
- His family stated they believe the death was a suicide stemming from severe distress after losing deportation protections.
- The incident occurred after the Trump administration terminated protections for thousands of Haitian immigrants, leading to the man being fitted with an ankle monitor by immigration enforcement.
Key facts
- A Haitian immigrant, identified as Pierre Damas Bel, was struck and killed by a vehicle on Monday in Ohio.[The Washington Post]
- Bel's family stated that they believe his death was a suicide driven by distress over losing his deportation protections.[The Washington Post]
- According to family members, Bel felt humiliated after Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers fitted him with an ankle monitor following federal policy changes canceling protections for thousands of Haitians.[The Washington Post]
What remains uncertain
- Official confirmation from law enforcement or a coroner regarding the definitive cause and manner of Bel's death has not been reported.[The Washington Post]
Sources
- Haitian immigrant in Ohio takes his own life after losing temporary protected status, family saysThe Washington Post - National metered