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Pierre Damas Bel dies in Ohio following loss of TPS status
Pierre Damas Bel, a 20-year-old Haitian student, died on August 31 on Interstate 70 near Springfield, Ohio. Authorities report that Bel walked into oncoming traffic and was struck by a tractor-trailer in what appears to be a suicide.
Bel's family and supporters link his death to the psychological toll of an ICE-mandated GPS ankle monitor and bullying he faced at Wright State University. Bel, an aspiring doctor and soccer player, had recently lost his roster spot at Wittenberg University due to the monitor. His father stated that Bel had made multiple requests to ICE to have the device removed so he could participate in college sports.
The incident follows recent legal shifts regarding Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The U.S. Supreme Court previously ruled that Department of Homeland Security decisions to end TPS for Haiti and Syria are not subject to judicial review, contributing to the loss of legal protections for many Haitian nationals.
Entities
Barbara Fidler · Carl Ruby · Central Christian Church · Haiti · Pierre Damas Bel · Springfield G92 · U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services · U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement · Wright State University
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The ankle monitor caused Bel to lose his roster spot at Wittenberg University. www.ibtimes.co.uk
- [DISPUTED] The ICE ankle monitor was a primary factor in the death of 20-year-old Pierre Damas Bel. jamaicainquirer.com · dominicanrepublicpost.com · trinidadtribune.com · www.ibtimes.co.uk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Barbara Fidler launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Bel's family with funeral and counseling expenses. jamaicainquirer.com · dominicanrepublicpost.com · trinidadtribune.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The US Supreme Court ruled that DHS decisions to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti and Syria are not subject to judicial review. www.ibtimes.co.uk
- [● 4 SOURCES] Bel experienced bullying from classmates at Wright State University related to his ankle monitor. jamaicainquirer.com · dominicanrepublicpost.com · trinidadtribune.com · www.ibtimes.co.uk
- [DISPUTED] Pierre Damas Bel died after walking into oncoming traffic on Interstate 70 and being struck by a tractor-trailer. www.ibtimes.co.uk