Ohio Governor Mike DeWine declined to attend the Vandalia rally, opting instead to attend the funeral of the 20 year old student. Andrew Egger attended both events and described a stark contrast in the visions of immigration's effect on the country. The burial and rally were held on the same day, highlighting diverging views on the federal government's crackdown on immigration.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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Trump Praises ICE 25 Miles From Haitian Immigrant Funeral
US Politics16 days ago
Pierre Damas Bel, a Haitian student in Ohio, died by suicide in August after family members reported he was bullied for wearing an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ankle monitor. His burial in Springfield occurred on the same day Donald Trump held a political rally in Vandalia, 25 miles away, where he praised the enforcement actions of ICE. Mourners at the service blamed the death on Trump's deportation campaign, while rally supporters argued that the agency requires more resources.
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