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Haitian Immigrant Pierre Damas Bel Dies by Suicide After Receiving GPS Ankle Monitor

Pierre Damas Bel, a 20-year-old Haitian immigrant, died by suicide on Monday after walking into traffic on Interstate 70 in Springfield, Ohio. Bel, who had recently lost his temporary protected status, was fitted with a GPS ankle monitor by the Department of Homeland Security in July. Bel's father, Pierre Ronal Bel, stated that his son felt humiliated and bullied by classmates due to the monitor. Bel was an honor roll athlete and a varsity soccer player who had plans to attend Wright State University. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the death of Bel and stated that the agency will not comment on the other causes of last week's deportation flights to Haiti. The administration announced the end of temporary protected status for Haitians as part of an immigration crackdown. The Haitian Support Center in Springfield is organizing a memorial for Bel. Local leaders and advocates have called on the policymakers to review the immigration policies that affected Bel's life.

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