The Allegheny County Medical Examiner has ruled the death of Daphy Michel, a 31-year-old Haitian asylum seeker, a homicide after she was found dead from hypothermia at a bus shelter in Pittsburgh on March 2, 2026. Michel had been released from federal custody on February 27, 2026, and her family’s attorney indicated that they plan to sue Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in connection with her death. The medical examiner's office stated that the ruling of homicide indicates that her death was caused by the actions of another individual, but does not imply criminal guilt.
Michel was seeking asylum in the U.S. after arriving at the southern border in 2022 and had been granted humanitarian parole. However, she did not survive to attend a scheduled hearing. The medical examiner noted that Michel was a vulnerable adult with untreated severe mental health issues and a significant language barrier at the time of her release. Her attorney reported that she had been arrested for erratic behavior due to her psychiatric challenges and had spent six months in jail awaiting trial.
After her release, Michel was taken to Pittsburgh, where she reportedly spent several days at a bus shelter in winter conditions. In response to the medical examiner's findings, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security stated that ICE had no responsibility for Michel's death, asserting that she passed away three days after their encounter with her. The spokesperson also mentioned that Michel had all her belongings and a fully charged phone upon her release.
Local officials and a U.S. Representative expressed that Michel's death was preventable, highlighting the need for better care and support for vulnerable individuals in similar situations. Additionally, it was noted that ICE has ceased reporting detainee deaths within 30 days of release, which health experts believe may lead to underreporting of such incidents.