Haitian Asylum Seeker’s Death Ruled Homicide as Family Threatens ICE Lawsuit
The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s office ruled that Daphy Michel, a 31-year-old Haitian asylum seeker, died from hypothermia and classified her death as a homicide, according to a March 10 statement. Michel was found dead on a bus stop in Pittsburgh on March 2, three days after being released from federal custody. Her attorney, Joseph Patrick Murphy, stated the family plans to sue the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency over her death.
Michel, who had been detained since 2022 after arriving at the U.S. southern border, was released on humanitarian parole in February 2023 but never attended a scheduled immigration hearing. The medical examiner noted she had untreated mental health issues and significant language barriers at the time of release. She was transferred by ICE from a Washington County jail to Pittsburgh, where she remained in a bus shelter during winter temperatures, according to Murphy. A county official called the death “a tragedy that could have been prevented with more humanity,” while a U.S. representative emphasized Michel “deserved medical care, shelter, and language services.”
ICE denied responsibility for Michel’s death, stating she “died three days after ICE found her” and that the agency “had nothing to do with her death.” A department spokesperson claimed Michel had access to public transportation and a fully charged phone when released. The agency also stated it learned of her death through media reports after her ankle monitor was tampered with, though medical officials refused to share information with ICE. The agency no longer reports deaths of released detainees within 30 days, a policy change from the Biden administration.
Did You Know? Michel was transferred 40 miles from a Washington County jail to Pittsburgh after being released, where she remained in a bus shelter during winter conditions. Her death occurred three days after ICE located her.
Expert Insight: The medical examiner’s homicide ruling highlights systemic risks for vulnerable individuals in immigration custody. While not a criminal charge, it underscores potential accountability gaps when agencies like ICE transfer detainees without ensuring safety. The decision to end post-release death reporting may obscure broader patterns, as experts warn it could mask unaddressed healthcare and support failures.
The case has drawn scrutiny over how federal agencies handle individuals with mental health needs. Murphy noted Michel was arrested in summer 2022 for shouting at imagined people, leading to six months in jail where she underwent psychiatric evaluations. A judge ruled she could not be charged for threatening “imaginary” individuals. ICE then placed her on an ankle monitor and moved her to Pittsburgh, where she died in cold weather wearing clothing from September.
Local leaders have called for reforms, with Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato stating the death “could have been prevented.” U.S. Representative Summer Lee, a Pennsylvania Democrat, said Michel “deserved care, not neglect.” The case adds to ongoing debates about ICE’s protocols for vulnerable detainees and the consequences of policy shifts that limit transparency.
Analysts say the next steps could include legal action by Michel’s family, further scrutiny of ICE’s handling of mentally ill detainees, and potential legislative responses to address gaps in support for asylum seekers. However, no official actions or new policies are confirmed at this time.
Why was Michel transferred to Pittsburgh?
ICE moved Michel from a Washington County jail to Pittsburgh after her release, placing her in a bus shelter during winter weather. Her attorney stated she lacked adequate clothing and shelter, leading to hypothermia.
What is the significance of the homicide ruling?
The medical examiner’s determination that her death was a homicide indicates someone’s actions or inactions contributed to her death. However, it does not imply criminal liability, as the ruling focuses on causation rather than legal guilt.
How has ICE responded to the case?
ICE denied involvement, stating Michel “died three days after ICE found her” and that the agency “had nothing to do with her death.” The agency also claimed she had access to transportation and a charged phone upon release.
What systemic issues might this case reveal about immigration detention and mental health care?