Donald Trump has extended a “welcome home” to Justo Betancourt, a Cuban-born resident of Miami. Betancourt spent several months in federal immigration detention at the Florida Everglades facility known as Alligator Alcatraz. “Welcome home to Justo Betancourt, whose daughter, Arianne, fought very hard to free her father from Alligator Alcatraz. Enjoy your freedom together,” President Trump posted on TruthSocial.
Detention and Release
Betancourt, a resident of the United States for decades, was detained for over six months following a routine immigration check-in, according to court records. Released on May 14, after a federal judge’s order, his lawyers successfully argued that his detention was unwarranted. A habeas corpus ruling led to his release from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.
Daughter’s Advocacy
Arianne Betancourt, his daughter, played a crucial role in securing her father’s release. She actively spoke out and advocated for Betancourt throughout his detention period.
Background of Justo Betancourt
Betancourt entered the U.S. in 1990 and was granted lawful status. However, due to criminal convictions including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, an immigration judge ordered his removal in 2020 as stated in the court documents dated May 13. As a Cuban national, he couldn’t be deported easily and was released under supervision, requiring regular community check-ins.
According to records, he was again taken into custody during one of these check-ins on October 29, 2025. Efforts to remove him to Mexico in January 2026 failed due to denial of entry over his “medical and mental health issues”, as noted in the court documents.