Tragic Death of Haitian Student Highlights Ankle Monitor Controversy

Pierre Damas Bel, a 20-year-old from Haiti, was known as a remarkable student and soccer player in Springfield, Ohio. He was also an active participant in his high school’s junior ROTC program. Tragically, on Monday, his family reported that Bel died by suicide. His father partially attributed the death to feelings of despair and humiliation after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) placed an ankle monitor on him earlier in the summer.

In a statement, Bel’s father expressed that his son felt degraded by the ankle monitor, describing Bel’s experience as being treated like an animal. Bel had requested ICE to remove the device, citing embarrassment and humiliation in front of his college peers.

According to the Ohio Highway Patrol, Bel parked his vehicle on a highway shoulder near Springfield and proceeded to walk into oncoming traffic, where he was struck by a tractor-trailer. The patrol confirmed that Bel succumbed to fatal injuries at the scene and stated the death is still under investigation.

ICE responded to CBS News with a statement, explaining that Bel was fitted with the ankle monitor on July 29 as part of his ongoing immigration proceedings. The agency acknowledged that Bel had entered the U.S. with permission in 2024 under a now-discontinued program that allowed migrants waiting in Mexico to schedule entry through the CBP One app.

ICE defended its actions, denying responsibility for Bel’s death. The agency highlighted that undocumented individuals are not obligated to remain in the U.S. and wear a GPS monitor. They have the option to self-deport using the CBP Home app, which facilitates government-arranged flights home and provides a $3,000 financial check.

In a recent Instagram post, Bel expressed he did not come to the U.S. to commit crimes or cause harm. However, he felt a sense of shame and humiliation walking through the streets with a GPS monitor on his leg.

The use of ankle monitors on Haitian immigrants like Bel increased after the federal government ended deportation protections under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program. Following a Supreme Court decision, over 300,000 Haitians lost their TPS status in late July, making them liable for detention and potential deportation. Bel was one of the TPS recipients, as confirmed by a Haitian American activist in contact with the family.

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also engage in a chat with the Lifeline online.

Additional mental health resources and support can be accessed through The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Their HelpLine is available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or via email at [email protected].