On July 27th, 2026, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants was rolled back. According to former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Haiti no longer met the requirements for TPS.
Hardly a month later, a young man by the name of Pierre Damas Bel would pull his car onto the shoulder of Interstate 70 in Clark County, Ohio, and walk into oncoming traffic where he was hit by a truck and died at the scene.
It was 2024 when Bel and his family — along with many other Haitian immigrants — came to the U.S. seeking asylum due to the unstable conditions of the country. Even now, as of 2026, according to the official website of the U.S. Department of State “Travel.State.Gov”, Haiti is deemed a level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory. This means a very high risk of physical, sexual, or financial assault for both locals and U.S. citizens.
Despite Haiti being dangerous, TPS was rolled back. So, Pierre Damas Bel, someone who was not only an asylum seeker but also came to the U.S. in a legal manner, was issued an ankle monitor by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shortly after July 27th. Within a month, Bel had his protected status revoked, was criminalized, shamed, and harassed. As a result, he took his own life on the morning of August 31st 2026.
There have been at least 10 suicides linked to ICE detention centers in 2025 and at least 2 linked to bullying regarding ICE.
This rally is intended to protest the fearmongering perpetuated by the current administration against all immigrants and people of color. We protest to demand restrictions on and/or the abolition of ICE. We demand to reinstate and extend TPS for Haitian and Syrian people seeking safety and asylum.
A broad coalition will organize on Thursday October 22nd 2026 at Friendship Fountain 1015 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Rain or shine, let’s protest for justice and the safety of our communities. Remember to bring food and water bottles, as well as first aid if needed. Please also remember to abide by road rules, do not impede traffic or block parking lots or any safety vehicles that need passage. Do not do anything that puts you or your fellow protestors at risk.
*A core principle behind all ICE Out For Good events is a commitment to nonviolent action and no civil disobedience. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values, and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events. All events should be held in public spaces or on public property.*