A Federalist op-ed is drawing sharp criticism after arguing that Democrats are “criminally liable” for migrant-related deaths, including the recent suicide of a Haitian man facing deportation.
The piece, published Wednesday, focuses on the death of 20-year-old Pierre Damas Bel, a Haitian migrant living in the U.S. under temporary protected status (TPS). According to the article, Bel walked into oncoming highway traffic Monday and died. His family believes he took his own life, distraught over the administration’s decision to remove his TPS, which made him likely subject to deportation.
The Federalist’s columnist writes that the incident is being used by Democrats and the media to criticize immigration enforcement, but argues the real blame lies with the party’s policies. The article contends that Democrats’ decision to admit “millions of foreigners” during the Biden administration created the conditions for such tragedies, and that resisting deportation efforts puts migrants in danger.
The piece also criticizes MSNBC’s Peter Alexander, who spoke emotively about Bel’s “dreams of earning a degree in medicine” and said “policy is personal.” The Federalist dismisses such commentary, saying Democrats and the media show no concern for American victims of crimes committed by immigrants.
“Democrats put migrants like Pierre Damas Bel in this situation. The blood is on their hands,” the article concludes.
The op-ed has sparked backlash online, with critics accusing The Federalist of blaming a suicide on political opponents and showing a lack of compassion. Supporters, however, argue it highlights the consequences of unchecked immigration and the dangers of resisting law enforcement.
The Biden administration has defended its immigration policies, while the Trump administration has moved to tighten border security and roll back protections like TPS. The death of Bel has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over immigration reform.
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, immigration remains a polarizing issue, with both parties using such incidents to rally their bases. The Federalist’s op-ed is likely to fuel further partisan rancor.
Source: thefederalist.com — https://thefederalist.com/2026/09/03/democrats-are-criminally-liable-for-every-immigrant-related-death/