Springfield, Ohio — On August 31st, 2026, Pierre Damas Bel took his own life after ICE issued him an ankle monitor in July. His family has shared that he felt humiliated by the device. Andre Easton, Bronx teacher and father of three, issued the following statement on September 1st in response:
“Pierre Damas Bel could have been one of my students. Pierre was a Haitian youth who took his life after ICE shackled him with an ankle monitor.
“His death is a direct consequence of the Trump administration's persecution of Haitian immigrants. In Pierre's own words: ‘I came here to study, to build my future, and to live a better [life,] not to be treated like criminal.’ The Trump administration and ICE have blood on their hands. They are the real criminals terrorizing working families.
“Abolish ICE. Full rights for all immigrants now.”
