Daphy Michel, a 31-year-old asylum seeker from Haiti, died on 2 March 2026 in Pittsburgh after being released from federal custody. Her death has been ruled a homicide by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office, which cited hypothermia as the cause.
Background of the Case
Michel arrived at the U.S. southern border in 2022 seeking asylum. She was granted humanitarian parole but did not survive to attend a hearing scheduled two weeks after her death. Her attorney, Joseph Patrick Murphy, stated that Michel had untreated severe mental health issues and a significant language barrier at the time of her release on 27 February.
Arrest and Detention
Michel was arrested the previous summer for yelling at imaginary people, a result of her psychiatric challenges. She spent six months in Washington County Jail, undergoing multiple psychiatric exams while awaiting her first hearing. A magistrate ruled she could not be held for threatening imaginary people, but ICE arrested her in her cell, fitted her with an ankle monitor, and transported her 25 miles to Pittsburgh.
Circumstances of Death
Michel was found at a bus shelter in Pittsburgh days after her release. Murphy noted she was wearing clothing suitable for September, not February, and the cold weather led to hypothermia. The medical examiner's homicide ruling indicates that another individual's actions or inactions contributed to her death, though it does not imply criminal guilt.
Response from Authorities
ICE spokesperson Lauren Bis stated that the agency had nothing to do with Michel's death, emphasizing she died three days after ICE encountered her. Bis claimed Michel had all her belongings, a fully charged phone, and access to public transportation. She also alleged that Michel's ankle monitor had been tampered with, but county medical examiner staff refused to cooperate with ICE.
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato called Michel's death a tragedy that could have been avoided with more humanity. U.S. Representative Summer Lee said Michel deserved care, shelter, language access, and medical support.
Legal and Policy Implications
Murphy expects Michel's family to file a lawsuit against ICE. The case also highlights a recent change in ICE policy: the agency no longer reports deaths of detainees within 30 days of release, a practice adopted in 2021. Health experts warn this change will undercount actual deaths and fail to address medical care issues.
