Haitian Asylum Seeker Dies of Hypothermia Days After ICE Release Without Winter Clothing

Daphy Michel, a 31-year-old Haitian asylum seeker, died from hypothermia on 2 March 2023. She had been released from federal custody just six days earlier with no winter clothing and an ankle monitor. Michel was arrested in summer 2022 after shouting at imaginary people, a result of severe mental health issues. She spent six months in Washington County Jail awaiting her first hearing. At the time of her release on 27 February 2023, she faced untreated psychiatric challenges and a significant language barrier.

The Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office later ruled her death a homicide. ICE spokesperson Lauren Bis claimed the agency had no involvement in the incident. The family of Michel now plans to sue Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over her death.

In 2022, ICE had ended a policy requiring the reporting of detainee deaths within 30 days of release. Michel’s release without proper clothing or support contributed to her fatal exposure to the cold. Her case highlights the risks faced by vulnerable individuals after detention. The family’s legal action seeks accountability for the circumstances surrounding her death.