Homicide Ruling in ICE Custody Death Exposes Systemic Failures for Vulnerable Asylum Seekers

Pittsburgh, Sunday, 14 June 2026.
A Pennsylvania medical examiner ruled the hypothermia death of 31-year-old Haitian asylum seeker Daphy Michel a homicide—three days after ICE released her in winter clothing at a Pittsburgh bus stop. Michel, who had severe mental health issues, spent over 30 hours exposed to freezing temperatures, despite being under ICE supervision. The case has ignited outrage over immigration enforcement’s treatment of vulnerable individuals, with officials calling her death ‘completely avoidable.’