A 20-year-old Haitian immigrant who had recently lost his Temporary Protected Status (TPS) died after walking into traffic on an Ohio interstate, with his family and supporters saying the uncertainty surrounding his immigration status contributed to his apparent suicide. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances of his death.
Pierre Damas Bel, who arrived in the United States in 2024 to reunite with his parents, had recently graduated from Springfield High School and was beginning his studies at Wright State University. He was also a member of the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and had played varsity soccer.
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Bel was among Haitian nationals affected after the Trump administration moved to terminate Haiti’s TPS designation, following a June Supreme Court ruling that cleared the way for the administration to end the protections. The decision potentially placed about 350,000 Haitians at risk of losing protection from deportation.
After losing TPS, Bel was fitted with a GPS ankle monitor by the Department of Homeland Security. In social media posts, he described feeling ashamed and humiliated by the device, saying he had come to the United States to pursue his education and build a future. His family said the monitor also affected his ability to participate in college athletics and JROTC activities.
Bel’s father said his son became increasingly distressed and had tried to have the ankle monitor removed. On the morning of his death, Bel reportedly contacted his father and said he was not feeling mentally well. Authorities later informed the family that he had died after being struck by a vehicle on Interstate 70.
Pastor Carl Ruby, who has been supporting the family, said they believe Bel took his own life because of the fear, humiliation and uncertainty surrounding his immigration situation. Haitian Bridge Alliance executive director Guerline Jozef also said Bel had been struggling emotionally after losing his TPS protection.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine described Bel’s death as a devastating tragedy and questioned whether the government’s approach to immigrants facing deportation was appropriate. Wright State University also expressed condolences, describing Bel as an honors student who was passionate about soccer and actively involved in campus life.
The Department of Homeland Security has declined to speculate about the cause of Bel’s death while the investigation remains pending. His death has nevertheless intensified concerns among Haitian advocates about the emotional and humanitarian consequences of ending TPS while deportations to Haiti continue amid the country’s ongoing security crisis.
