Who Is Justo Betancourt? Trump Welcomes Alligator Alcatraz Detainee Release
Summary
Justo Betancourt, a Cuban-born Miami resident, was held in a federal immigration detention center nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz" for over six months. President Donald Trump welcomed his release, which happened after a judge ruled Betancourt had been wrongfully detained.Key Facts
- Justo Betancourt entered the U.S. in 1990 and had lawful status for many years.
- An immigration judge ordered his removal in 2020 due to criminal convictions, including conspiracy related to methamphetamine.
- Betancourt could not be deported to Cuba and was released under supervised conditions requiring regular check-ins.
- He was detained again during a routine immigration check on October 29, 2025.
- Efforts to deport him to Mexico failed due to his medical and mental health issues.
- His daughter, Arianne Betancourt, actively campaigned for his release.
- A federal judge ordered his release on May 14, 2026, citing wrongful detention.
- President Trump publicly welcomed Betancourt’s release on TruthSocial.
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