SPRINGFIELD — During an unrelated news conference in Columbus Tuesday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine talked about Pierre Damas Bel’s death along I-70 in Clark County.
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“Fran and I, since we learned about this, are thinking of this young man, Pierre, Pierre’s mom, and dad, and family. This is a horrible, horrible tragedy,” DeWine said.
DeWine talked about what he’s learned of Bel in the 24 hours since his death.
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“He had graduated from high school here. He was well-liked; he was in a junior ROTC. And I’m told by those who knew him, he had great dreams about what he could do in this country and what he could contribute to this country,” DeWine said.
And discussed Bel’s immigration status.
“Is it really wise to... Look at someone like that and say, you know, we’re gonna kick you out of the country, put an ankle monitor on you,” the governor said.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson confirmed to News Center 7 Tuesday that Bel was “...a non-detained illegal alien from Haiti.”
And said in March 2024 Bel applied for admission into the United States at a Customs and Border Protection port of entry in Brownsville, Texas, and was released into the U.S.
Then, at the end of July, that spokesperson said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, placed Bel on the alternatives to detention program with an ankle monitor while he continued his immigration proceedings.
According to ICE’s website, its alternatives to detention, or ATD, program “...enables aliens to remain in their communities — contributing to their families and community organizations and, as appropriate, concluding their affairs in the U.S. — as they move through immigration proceedings or prepare for departure.”
In a statement, Wright State said the school was saddened to learn of Bel’s passing.
“We are heartbroken by this devastating loss. Pierre was an active honors student who was passionate about soccer and was already actively engaged in his classes and the campus community,” University President Sue Edwards said in part.
News Center 7 has also called the Clark County coroner’s office today and asked whether it has determined a preliminary cause or manner of death for Bel.
Entire statement from Department of Homeland Security spokesperson to News Center 7:
“ICE can confirm that Ohio State Highway Patrol notified the agency on August 31 regarding the death of Pierre Damas Bel, a non-detained illegal alien from Haiti. The circumstances of his death remain under investigation by OSHP. ICE does not comment on the cause of death while that investigation is pending, and we will not speculate about unverified claims regarding other individuals.
On March 5, 2024, Bel applied for admission into the United States at the Gateway Port of Entry via CBP One appointment, and he was released into the country by the Biden administration. On July 29, 2026, ICE placed him on alternatives to detention program with an ankle monitor while he continued in his immigration proceedings.
No one is required to stay in the United States illegally and wear a monitor. Illegal aliens have a lawful, voluntary option: they can self-deport through the CBP Home app. Eligible participants receive a government-arranged flight home, a $2,600 exit bonus after departure is confirmed, and forgiveness of civil failure-to-depart fines.
Remaining in the country illegally, while fighting removal, is a choice. Leaving with a free flight home and $2,600 is also a choice. ICE will continue to use detention or alternatives to detention as needed those illegal aliens who stay in violation of the law."
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