By EFE
Donald Trump celebrated the release of a Cuban immigrant in an unusual message who was detained at Alligator Alcatraz, the controversial detention center in the middle of the Everglades wetlands that is preparing to close its doors.
“Welcome homeJusto Betancourt, whose daughter, Arianne, fought with great tenacity to free her father from Alligator Alcatraz. Enjoy your freedom together,” says Trump’s weekend message in a post on Truth Social without detailing the reasons.
Betancourt, 54 years old, He was released on May 14 from the custody of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE). in compliance with an order issued by a federal judge, after spending more than six months in custody of the center, inaugurated by Trump in 2025.
Usually, Trump criticizes federal judges who issue orders in favor of immigrants to avoid deportation, such as the case of Salvadoran Kilmar Abrego García, whom the United States had to return to the country after sending him to El Salvador.
Betancourt had even lost his permanent residence due to criminal charges that include conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one of the Trump administration’s immigration crusades.
ICE attempted to deport Betancourt to Mexico last January, but Mexican authorities denied him entry due to his medical and mental health problems, according to court documents reviewed by EFE.
Betancourt’s daughter, Arianne, led the campaign to secure his release, arguing that her father had completed his sentences and had complied with ICE instructions to continually report.
The young woman, who joined groups of protesters against the unhealthy detention conditions at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’, has indicated that her father suffers from diabetes, requires medication and continuous care.
Alligator Alcatraz is in the process of closinga little less than a year after its inauguration. Several suppliers have been notified that operations at the facilities will cease this Monday, according to information cited by the Miami channel Local10.
Keep reading:
- Court allows Alligator Alcatraz to reopen despite environmental dispute in Florida
- Court orders ICE to provide factual advice to immigrants detained at Alligator Alcatraz
