Ohio Senate Democrats Mourn Death of Pierre Damas Bel

Today, the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus released the following statement after Pierre Damas Bel, a 20-year-old student at Wright State University, took his own life after being forced to wear an ICE ankle monitor when the Trump Administration revoked temporary protected status (TPS) for hundreds of thousands of Haitians living in the U.S.

“We offer our deepest condolences to Pierre Damas Bel’s family and loved ones. Pierre came to this country to pursue an education and build a future. Instead of getting to play soccer and study neuroscience, he was treated like a criminal. 

“His death is a tragedy and a direct result of this administration’s inhumane and racist immigration policies. So far, the president’s mass deportation approach has yielded no benefits, socially or economically. Instead, it has resulted in deaths of our neighbors and trauma inflicted on an industrial scale. 

“Pierre’s death will not be the last if we do not change course towards a more compassionate approach that recognizes the importance and humanity of our country’s immigrant community.”

If you or someone you know needs help, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline anytime, 24/7, or visit 988Lifeline.org.