A tragic incident has unfolded in Ohio, where a 20-year-old Haitian-born college student, Pierre Damas Bel, reportedly took his own life after losing his Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This devastating event occurred on Monday when Bel walked into oncoming traffic on Interstate 70, resulting in fatal injuries.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol confirmed that Bel succumbed to his injuries at the scene, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing. Governor Mike DeWine expressed his condolences, calling it a "horrible, horrible tragedy." He highlighted Bel's promising future, stating that he was well-liked, a junior ROTC member, and had aspirations of contributing positively to society.

Bel's father, Pierre Ronal Bel, shared that his son had been feeling increasingly distraught after being placed under an ankle monitor, a requirement imposed by the Department of Homeland Security following the Trump administration's decision to terminate TPS for Haiti. This policy change has left approximately 350,000 Haitian nationals vulnerable to deportation. The father described his son as an energetic young man who loved life, and he noted the profound change in Bel's demeanor in the weeks leading up to his death.

In a heart-wrenching statement, Bel's father recounted a conversation he had with his son on the morning of his death. Pierre Damas Bel had called to express his mental distress, prompting his father to urge him to return home for a discussion. Tragically, shortly after this call, the family received the devastating news of his death.

Just a month prior, Bel had openly shared his feelings about the ankle monitor on social media, expressing his frustration and shame. He stated, "I came to this country to pursue my education. I didn't come here to commit a crime or hurt anyone... How am I supposed to play college sports with a GPS monitor on my leg?" His words reflect the deep emotional toll that the immigration policies have had on him.

Pastor Carl Ruby, who is close to the family, indicated that Bel's suicide was a direct consequence of the stress and humiliation stemming from the immigration policies enacted during the Trump administration. He lamented the impact of these policies, stating that Bel faced teasing from peers at Wright State University about his ankle monitor, which compounded his distress.

The family hopes that by sharing their story, they can raise awareness about the severe consequences of inhumane immigration policies. They believe that the actions taken by figures such as President Trump and his administration have played a significant role in this tragedy, and they wish for others to understand the human cost of such decisions.