Death and fear stalk Haitians in Ohio city amid Trump’s anti-immigrant crackdown
Springfield community mourns one of its own after Pierre Damas Bel, who was forced to wear electronic ankle bracelet by ICE, walked into traffic and was killed by truck
TL;DR
- Pierre Damas Bel, a 20-year-old Haitian immigrant, died after being subjected to ICE ankle monitoring.
- Bel's father stated his son felt treated like an animal due to the ankle monitor, leading to bullying and feelings of shame.
- The Supreme Court's revocation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians has intensified the crisis for the community in Springfield, Ohio.
- ICE presence has increased in Springfield, leading to detentions of Haitian individuals, including pastors.
- William, another Haitian immigrant, was detained and deported to Haiti, where he faced danger from gangs and was forced to flee again to the Dominican Republic.
- Haitian-owned businesses in Springfield have been impacted, with some closing due to ICE activities.
- Two Haitian pastors have been detained by ICE without criminal records.
- Bel was a student at Wright State University with aspirations of attending medical school.