Haitian college student dies by suicide after losing TPS status, advocacy group says

A 20‑year‑old Haitian immigrant who recently graduated high school died by suicide in Springfield, Ohio, after losing Temporary Protected Status, according to an advocacy group representing his family.

Loss of TPS Heightened His Fear

Pierre Damas Bel arrived in the United States in 2024 to reunite with his parents and pursue an education. He was among more than 350,000 Haitians who lost TPS after the Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration to end the program.

Bel was later fitted with a GPS ankle monitor by the Department of Homeland Security as part of stepped‑up enforcement targeting former TPS holders. He wrote online that the device left him feeling “shame and humiliation” and terrified of deportation.

“I came to this country to pursue my education. I didn’t come here to commit a crime or hurt anyone,” Bel posted in July.

“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.”

On Monday, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said Bel parked on Interstate 70, exited his vehicle and walked into westbound traffic. He died at the scene. Authorities are investigating his death.

Family Says Monitoring Intensified His Distress

In a statement, Bel’s father said his son felt “treated like an animal” after receiving the ankle monitor. He said Bel traveled twice to immigration offices in to plead for its removal because he played soccer and felt humiliated wearing it.

Hours before his death, Bel called his father and said he was “not feeling OK” and “not thinking right.” Police later arrived at the family’s home to report that Bel had died.

Guerline Jozef, the executive director of Haitian Bridge Alliance, a nonprofit organization that provides aid to Haitian immigrants told ABC News Bel feared being sent back to Haiti, where gang violence has surged.

“This is our worst fear and nightmare come true,” said executive director Guerline Jozef.

She said Bel grew increasingly depressed after losing TPS and believed deportation was imminent. “Our government, our system, our Supreme Court — they’re all complicit in the death of this young man,” Jozef said.

Pierre Damas Bel: A Promising Student With a Future

Bel graduated from Springfield High School, played varsity soccer and earned honors in JROTC. He just started Wright State University this fall and hoped to pursue a medical career. Teachers wrote letters praising his character, discipline and commitment to service.

Advocates say his death highlights the consequences of immigration policies that leave young people feeling hopeless. “Pierre was someone’s son,” Pastor Carl Ruby said. “He had teachers who believed in him, coaches who supported him and a future he was working toward.”

They argue that the nation must confront the human cost of ending TPS for Haitians, especially as violence in Haiti continues to escalate.

If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or worried about a friend or loved one, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Supreme Court ruling allows Trump administration to end deportation protections for Syrians and Haitians

Unheard Voices Magazine

Support independent storytelling that amplifies voices too often ignored. Your donation keeps our stories alive and accessible.

Donate Today

Every contribution helps fund reporting, editing, and platforms for underrepresented communities.