Springfield, Ohio – Pierre Damas Bel, 20, a recent graduate of Springfield High School and a member of the school’s varsity soccer team and JROTC, took his own life on Monday after losing his temporary protected status (TPS) for Haiti. Bel, who arrived in the United States in 2024 to reunite with his parents, was found on Interstate 70 after exiting his vehicle and walking into traffic.
Family and community reaction
Guerline Jozef, executive director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, told ABC News that Bel was terrified of deportation. “He called his father that morning and said knowing he could be deported was ‘unbearable,'” Jozef said. The father responded, “I’m sorry, my son. Let’s talk about it when you get back from school,” but the conversation ended tragically shortly thereafter.
Jozef condemned the federal response, stating, “Our government, our system, our Supreme Court – they’re all complicit in the death of this young man.” The nonprofit is providing support to Bel’s family while urging the administration to halt deportations to Haiti amid ongoing gang violence.
TPS termination and its impact
Bel was among more than 350,000 Haitian immigrants whose TPS was revoked after the Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration to end the program. TPS provides work authorization and protection from removal for nationals of countries experiencing armed conflict or natural disasters. The termination has left many, like Bel, facing uncertainty and fear of removal.
According to posts on Bel’s social media, he expressed shame and humiliation after being fitted with a GPS ankle monitor by the Department of Homeland Security, a measure intended to track former TPS holders.
Local achievements and future plans
Despite his challenges, Bel excelled academically and civically. He earned a lieutenant rank in JROTC, received letters of recommendation from teachers, his JROTC senior Marine instructor, and his employer at Texas Roadhouse, all praising his character and potential contributions to the nation. He had planned to attend Wright State University this fall.
“Mr. Bel exhibits the type of individual character that makes our society great,” wrote his JROTC instructor. “He has my highest endorsement and will be a valuable addition to our nation.” A Springfield High School teacher echoed these sentiments, noting Bel’s adherence to all legal requirements and his desire to give back to the community that rescued him from violence.
Federal immigration actions
Since ending TPS for Haitians, the Trump administration has conducted two deportation flights to Haiti, the most recent including U.S.-born children. Advocates argue that the flights should be paused due to the severe security situation in Haiti, where recent United Nations reports documented dozens of killings and kidnappings by armed gangs.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating Bel’s death, and the Department of Homeland Security has declined to comment on the cause while the investigation remains open.
Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
