The family of Daphy Michel, a Haitian national who was found dead days after her release from U.S. immigration custody, is calling for answers surrounding the circumstances of her death.
Michel, 31, had travelled to the United States from Haiti seeking asylum and was pursuing a new life while staying with relatives in Washington County, Pennsylvania.
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Legal and Detention Background
According to reports, Michel had been experiencing significant mental health challenges prior to her detention. She was charged with two misdemeanor offences—harassment and threats—and spent nearly six months at the Washington County Jail on a US$10,000 bond.
Her preliminary hearing was postponed multiple times while she awaited a mental health evaluation. Ultimately, the charges were dismissed on February 26, according to the Washington County Public Defender’s Office.
However, immigration authorities had placed a detainer on her file, prompting officials to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) prior to her release.
Release and Monitoring Programme
Michel was processed on February 27 at ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations office in Pittsburgh and enrolled in the agency’s Alternatives to Detention programme. The initiative allows individuals with ongoing immigration proceedings to remain outside of detention under supervision, often through electronic monitoring.
As part of the programme, Michel was fitted with an ankle monitor and released into the community.
Her brother, Carlo Michel, said the family had been expecting her return following the dismissal of her charges.
Discovery and Death
On March 2, maintenance workers discovered Michel unresponsive at a bus shelter near East Carson Street and the Smithfield Street Bridge in Pittsburgh.
Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, including CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator, before transporting her to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Medical personnel indicated that Michel suffered cardiac arrest, though the exact circumstances leading to her death remain unclear. An autopsy is being conducted by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Ongoing Questions
According to ICE, an alert from Michel’s ankle monitor was received on March 3, indicating that the device had been removed. By that time, she had already died.
Her attorney, Joseph Murphy, highlighted gaps in the timeline between her release and death, noting that key details remain unexplained.
Immigration Proceedings and Family Appeal
Michel had been scheduled to appear before the Executive Office for Immigration Review on April 16 in Florida as part of her asylum case.
Her brother has since called for justice, emphasizing that she came to the United States seeking safety, stability and improved health.
“I need justice for my sister,” he said, urging authorities to clarify what transpired in the days between her release and death.
