Trump Welcomes Home Detained Cuban National

Donald Trump extended a “welcome home” to Justo Betancourt, a Miami resident originally from Cuba, who had been held for months in a federal immigration detention center known as Alligator Alcatraz in the Florida Everglades.

“Welcome home to Justo Betancourt, whose daughter, Arianne, fought very hard to free her father from Alligator Alcatraz. Enjoy your freedom together,” Trump posted on TruthSocial.

Betancourt, a long-time U.S. resident, was detained for over six months following a routine immigration check-in, as per court documents. He was released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody on May 14. A federal judge ordered his release after his legal team successfully argued against his detention. This resulted in a habeas corpus ruling that led to his release.

Arianne Betancourt, his daughter, took a lead role in advocating for his release. She actively spoke out and campaigned on his behalf during his detention.

Background on Justo Betancourt

Justo Betancourt entered the United States in 1990 and was later granted legal status. However, in 2020, an immigration judge ordered his removal due to criminal convictions, including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, as outlined in court documents from May 13 concerning his release.

As a Cuban national who could not be easily deported, immigration authorities had released him under supervised conditions. This required regular check-ins while he lived in the community, according to court filings.

He was detained again during a check-in on October 29, 2025. Authorities attempted to deport him to Mexico in January 2026, but were unsuccessful as Mexico denied entry due to “medical and mental health issues,” as stated in the court papers.