DeWine reacts as group alleges shame, taunting preceded Haitian student’s death on I-70
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WKEF) – Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is again criticizing the federal government’s immigration policies following the death of a 20-year-old Haitian Wright State University student on Interstate 70.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said troopers responded around 8:45 a.m. Monday, August 31 to I-70 near Harmony Township in Clark County.
Investigators said a Toyota Avalon driven by Pierre Damas Bel of Springfield, was parked on the right shoulder of the highway. According to OSHP, Bel got out of the car and entered the westbound lanes, where he was struck by a Kenworth tractor-trailer.
Bel was pronounced dead at the scene. The truck driver was not injured.
Troopers continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Bel’s death.
G92, a faith-based organization that supports Springfield’s Haitian community, said Bel’s family believes his mental health had deteriorated amid alleged bullying and the stigma associated with an ankle monitor placed on him by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (ICE)
Bel’s father, Pierre Ronal Bel, said his son called him shortly before his death.
He called me at 8:03 on a video call, ‘I’m not feeling okay mentally because of the bullying,’ and I told him to come home so we can talk, his father said in a statement shared by G92. Around 11 the police showed at my door to report that my son threw himself under a truck.
Wright State University said it has no confirmed information about complaints or investigations involving alleged bullying of Bel.
DeWine addressed Bel’s death Tuesday, offering condolences to his family while reiterating his opposition to mass deportations.
“You’ve heard me talk a lot about what I consider to be a very misguided and wrong policy in regard to mass deporting people from this country,” DeWine said.
DeWine said the Trump administration had done “a very good job” securing the southern border and that people want criminals removed from the country, but argued that broad deportation efforts could ultimately hurt Springfield, Clark County, and Ohio.
“I’m told, by those who knew him, he had great dreams about what he could do in this country and what he could contribute to this country,” DeWine said.
I think we have to ask ourselves, is it really good? Is it what we want done to see people like this being picked up and facing deportation?
DeWine also questioned the use of an ankle monitor in Bel’s case.
Look at someone like that and say, you know, we’re going to kick you out of the country. We’ll put an ankle monitor on you. To me, it just doesn’t make any sense,”
Wright State University confirmed Bel had begun classes at the university last week, and described him as an active honors student who was passionate about soccer.
“We are heartbroken by this devastating loss,” the university said. “Pierre was an active honors student who was passionate about soccer and was already actively engaged in his classes and the campus community.”
Wittenberg University’s men’s soccer program said Bel had been a freshman recruit from Springfield, but was unable to play after ICE placed an ankle monitor on him days before preseason training began. The program said he instead chose to pursue his academic goals at Wright State University.
ICE confirmed Bel had been placed in its Alternatives to Detention program with an ankle monitor on July 29 while his immigration proceedings continued.
According to ICE, Bel applied for admission to the United States through a CBP One appointment on March 5, 2024, and was released into the country while his immigration case proceeded.
“The circumstances of his death remain under investigation by OSHP,” ICE said. “ICE does not comment on the cause of death while that investigation is pending, and we will not speculate about unverified claims regarding other individuals.”
Statement from DHS spokesperson:
“ICE can confirm that Ohio State Highway Patrol notified the agency on August 31 regarding the death of Pierre Damas Bel, a non-detained illegal alien from Haiti. The circumstances of his death remain under investigation by OSHP. ICE does not comment on the cause of death while that investigation is pending, and we will not speculate about unverified claims regarding other individuals.
On March 5, 2024, Bel applied for admission into the United States at the Gateway Port of Entry via CBP One appointment, and he was released into the country by the Biden administration. On July 29, 2026, ICE placed him on alternatives to detention program with an ankle monitor while he continued in his immigration proceedings.
No one is required to stay in the United States illegally and wear a monitor. Illegal aliens have a lawful, voluntary option: they can self-deport through the CBP Home app. Eligible participants receive a government-arranged flight home, a $2,600 exit bonus after departure is confirmed, and forgiveness of civil failure-to-depart fines.
Remaining in the country illegally, while fighting removal, is a choice. Leaving with a free flight home and $2,600 is also a choice. ICE will continue to use detention or alternatives to detention as needed those illegal aliens who stay in violation of the law.”