Wright State Student Dies After TPS Loss in Ohio

Pierre Damas Bel, a 20-year-old Haitian immigrant and Wright State University student, died by suicide after being forced to wear an ICE ankle monitor following the end of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians. Bel was an honor student, soccer player, and JROTC participant; his family says the monitor caused bullying and humiliation and contributed to his emotional distress. Vigils were held in Springfield and Columbus as immigrant activists and community leaders urged an end to ankle monitors and called for policy changes, including electoral engagement. Officials said Bel stepped into traffic on Interstate 70 in Clark County, and authorities continue to investigate his death, which occurred amid fear among Haitians who lost TPS protections; estimates suggest hundreds of thousands could be affected. The case has drawn attention from faith leaders, local officials, and immigrant-rights advocates highlighting TPS policy and monitoring practices as factors in his death.