Springfield Haitian student’s death sparks protests over ICE ankle monitors

A 20-year-old Haitian student, Pierre Damas Bel, recently enrolled at Wright State University, died Aug. 31 after being fitted with an ICE GPS ankle monitor following the termination of TPS for Haiti; advocates say the monitor contributed to Bel’s distress and humiliation, noting his public posts about the monitor and his plans for neuroscience/medical study. The death occurred amid a surge of ICE activity targeting Springfield’s Haitian community and days of community action outside City Hall, with supporters calling for an end to the ankle-monitor program. Authorities say Bel died after entering traffic on I-70 and being struck by a semi; advocates describe it as a suicide linked to immigration enforcement, and DHS did not immediately respond. The article highlights dozens of Haitians in Springfield fitted with monitors and the broader impact on work and daily life; crisis resources are provided.