Rep. Humphrey Issues Statement on the Tragic Death of Pierre Damas Bel

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Latyna M. Humphrey (D-Columbus) today issued the following statement following the tragic death of Pierre Damas Bel, a 20-year-old Haitian immigrant, Springfield High School graduate, and Wright State University student:

“I am heartbroken by the tragic death of Pierre Damas Bel.

Pierre was only 20 years old, with dreams, promise, and an entire life ahead of him. He graduated with honors from Springfield High School, where he participated in JROTC and played varsity soccer. He had just begun his first year at Wright State University, where he was studying neuroscience with hopes of one day becoming a doctor.

Pierre came to this country to pursue an education and build a future. Instead, after losing his Temporary Protected Status, he was required to wear a GPS ankle monitor. In his own words before his death, Pierre described the shame and humiliation he felt from being forced to wear that monitor and being treated as though he were a criminal.

His family has shared the devastating toll this experience took on him, including the humiliation and bullying he experienced because of the monitor.

There are real human beings behind every immigration policy and every government action. They are students, parents, workers, neighbors, and members of our communities. Whatever our political disagreements about immigration may be, our government should never lose sight of the dignity and humanity of the people affected by its decisions.

Since 2022, I have stood with Ohio’s Haitian community, and I will continue to stand with them. I have watched this community contribute to our state while too often being subjected to fear, uncertainty, harmful rhetoric, and policies that threaten the lives they have worked to build here.

Pierre deserved dignity. He deserved compassion. He deserved the opportunity to finish his studies, become a doctor, and discover everything his life could have become.

My heart and prayers are with Pierre’s parents, his two younger brothers, his friends and classmates, and the Haitian communities of Springfield and across Ohio as they grieve this heartbreaking loss.

May Pierre’s life remind all of us that policy has human consequences—and that the measure of our government must include how we treat people when they are at their most vulnerable.

May Pierre Damas Bel rest in peace.”