March 15, 2026
Contact: media@haitianbridge.org,  Paige Censale, pcensale@haitianbridge.org

San Diego, CA—Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) is calling for an immediate independent investigation following the death of Daphy Michel, an asylum seeker from Haiti who was found unresponsive at a Pittsburgh bus shelter days after being released from detention and placed under ICE supervision. The Haitian Bridge Alliance extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and to all families who have lost loved ones in immigration detention.

Michel, 31, had reportedly been held for months before a judge dismissed the charges against her. She was subsequently processed into ICE’s Alternatives to Detention program, fitted with an electronic ankle monitor, and released shortly before her death. 

The case has raised urgent questions about the treatment of immigrants in federal custody and the safeguards in place for individuals transitioning from detention to community supervision.

At least 30–32 people died in ICE detention in 2025.The crisis appears to be continuing into this year. Multiple deaths have already been reported in the early months of 2026, including four migrants died while in U.S. immigration custody, in the first 10 days alone in 2026.  

Because ICE operates within the Department of Homeland Security, Haitian Bridge Alliance argues that investigations must be independent of DHS oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability.

“The Haitian Bridge Alliance mourns Daphy Michel’s  and stands in solidarity with her family.  Too many immigrants—including Haitian nationals—have died in the custody or supervision of federal immigration authorities,” said Guerline Jozef, Executive Director of Haitian Bridge Alliance. “We are calling for a transparent, independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Daphy Michel’s death. Migrants seeking protection should never face neglect, abandonment, or preventable harm while under government supervision.”

HBA is urging Congress, the Department of Justice, and independent watchdog bodies to:

• Investigate Michel’s death and the role of ICE supervision programs
• Review detention conditions and medical care in ICE facilities
• Increase transparency and reporting regarding deaths in immigration custody

Beyond issuing statements, Haitian Bridge Alliance will take concrete action. The organization will convene a national coalition of civil rights and immigrant justice groups, launch an independent monitoring initiative documenting deaths involving Black migrants in immigration custody, and brief members of Congress on urgent oversight reforms.

ABOUT HAITIAN BRIDGE ALLIANCE

Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA), also known as “The Bridge”, is a grassroots community organization that advocates for fair and humane immigration policies, foreign policy, and provides migrants and immigrants with humanitarian, legal, and social services, with a particular focus on Black migrants, the Haitian community, women and girls, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and survivors of torture and other human rights abuses. HBA also seeks to elevate the issues unique to Black migrants and builds solidarity and collective movement toward policy change. Anpil men chay pa lou (“Many hands make the load light”). Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook: @haitianbridge