Family to sue US after ICE release of mentally ill woman leads to fatal hypothermia in Pittsburgh
The family of Daphy Michel, a 31-year-old Haitian immigrant, is preparing to file a lawsuit against the US government and other entities after she died of hypothermia in Pittsburgh. Michel, who had untreated severe mental health issues, was released by ICE in February while wearing summer clothes and without a phone plan. She was found dead three days later at a bus shelter 20 miles from her home. Pennsylvania officials ruled her death a homicide, citing her vulnerability and language barrier. ICE has denied responsibility, calling her an 'illegal alien,' though her attorney states she had legal humanitarian status. The case mirrors a similar recent death in New York involving a Rohingya refugee.
Key points
- Daphy Michel, a 31-year-old Haitian immigrant, died of hypothermia in early March 2026 after being released by ICE in Pittsburgh.
- Michel had been in county jail for six months following a mental health crisis and was released with an ankle monitor but without a functional phone plan.
- She was dropped off in south Pittsburgh, approximately 20 miles from her home in Charleroi, and was found dead at a bus shelter three days later.
- The Allegheny County medical examiner ruled her death a homicide, noting she was a vulnerable adult with untreated severe mental health issues and a significant language barrier.
- Attorney Joseph Murphy stated the lawsuit will be filed within two to three weeks against the US and multiple governmental and non-governmental entities.
- DHS previously stated it had 'nothing to do with this woman’s death' and referred to her as an 'illegal alien,' contradicting claims that she had humanitarian status and a pending asylum application.
Background
This incident occurs amid growing scrutiny of ICE enforcement practices and migrant deaths in custody, as noted in earlier coverage of Texas and other states. Previous reports highlighted a surge in detainee deaths and fatal shootings involving ICE agents since 2025, with concerns over internal oversight replacing external investigations. The case of Michel aligns with a similar incident in Buffalo, New York, where a Rohingya refugee with vision impairment and limited English died after being dropped off alone by border patrol, also ruled a homicide.
Why it matters
The case highlights critical concerns about the safety and dignity of vulnerable individuals in federal custody, particularly those with mental health challenges or language barriers. It raises questions about ICE’s decision-making processes, the adequacy of release protocols, and the potential legal accountability for deaths resulting from such actions. The lawsuit may set a precedent for holding the government liable for the consequences of inadequate care during immigration enforcement.
What to watch
The lawsuit is expected to be filed within two to three weeks, with details on plaintiffs and defendants yet to be disclosed. Pittsburgh detectives are investigating the homicide ruling, and the outcome may influence future policies regarding the release of vulnerable detainees. The case may also prompt broader discussions about the responsibilities of federal agencies in ensuring the safety of individuals with mental health needs or language barriers.
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