ICE: Haitian Wright State student who died by suicide on I-70 entered U.S. legally in 2024 | Local

A Haitian student who died by suicide Monday, Aug. 31 reportedly due to the shame of being forced to wear an ankle monitor and teasing by his classmates entered the U.S. legally in 2024, Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a statement.

Pierre Damas Bel, 20, died Monday morning on Interstate 70 after he stepped in front of a semi truck. His father said in a statement the two had been on the phone immediately before the incident occured.

Hundreds of local Haitians have been outfitted with ankle monitors either at appointments at ICE’s Blue Ash office near Cincinnati or after being detained and released, according to advocates. Many have complained of pain, swelling, blisters or the monitors interfering with their ability to work.

An ICE spokesperson said the Ohio State Highway Patrol notified the agency Monday about Bel’s death. It declined to comment on the circumstances while OSHP is investigating.

ICE said Bel applied to enter the U.S. March 5, 2024 at the Gateway Port of Entry via CBP One appointment, “and he was released into the country by the Biden administration.”

CBP One was an app U.S. Customs and Border Protection introduced in 2020. Under former President Joe Biden, the app allowed migrants who did not have entry documents to schedule appointments at southern border ports of entry. It became the primary method for those seeking asylum to enter the country under former President Joe Biden’s administration.

The Trump administration ended the use of CBP One for processing asylum seekers. The app’s functions were transferred to the new app CBP Home, which guides immigrants through the process to return to their country of origin voluntarily.

On July 29 this year, “ICE placed him on alternatives to detention program with an ankle monitor while he continued in his immigration proceedings,” an ICE spokesperson said.

ICE has an Alternatives to Detention program to allow immigrants to stay in their community while immigration proceedings are ongoing. The program has multiple subprograms that each use different methods and supervision levels.

“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,” the spokesperson said. “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.”

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol Springfield Post, troopers were called at 8:45 a.m. to mile marker 66 of I-70 westbound. OSHP found that Bel had parked his 2006 Toyota Avalon on the right shoulder before getting out of the car and walking into the westbound lanes, according to a release.

He was struck by a 2001 Kenworth tractor-trailer tanker combination and pronounced dead at the scene.

Bel began classes at Wright State University last week, according to the college.

“We are heartbroken by this devastating loss. Pierre was an active honors student who was passionate about soccer and was already actively engaged in his classes and the campus community,” Wright State University President Sue Edwards said in a media release. “The University mourns the death of Pierre and extends our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time.”

Wright State University said it has no confirmed information regarding any complaints or investigations into bullying involving Bel.

The school is offering counseling and other support services to students, faculty and staff.

Wright State University is offering support services for affected campus members. Students can reach Counseling and Wellness Services at 937-775-3407, access 24/7 support via Raider Cares at 937-775-4567, or text “LISTEN” to 741-741. Employees can receive confidential 24/7 care through the Employee Assistance Program at 800-451-1834.

On July 30, Bel posted a 20-photo Instagram carousel highlighting his awards, diploma, plans to study neuroscience at Wright State University, soccer team, and the electronic monitor around his ankle.

“I came to this country to pursue my education. I didn’t come here to commit a crime or hurt anyone,” he captioned the post. “Yet now I’m walking through the streets of the United States with a GPS monitor on my leg, carrying a feeling of shame and humiliation that I never imagined I would experience. I came here to study, to build my future and to live a better [life,] not to be treated like a criminal. So now, how am I supposed to play college sports with a GPS monitor on my leg?”

If you or someone you know needs to talk about thoughts of suicide or needs support, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline anytime, 24/7, or visit 988Lifeline.org. This is an in-state network of 988 contact centers that provide coverage to all 88 counties.

SPRINGFIELD NEWS-SUN COVERAGE

Coverage: Springfield Haitian student suicide

Pierre Damas Bel, a 20-year-old Wright State student, took his own life on I-70 out of anguish over a required ICE ankle monitor, according to local community advocates.

Here are some highlights of our reporting on this issue.