Trump Welcomes Man Back Home

President Donald Trump is celebrating the release of a Miami man who spent more than six months in federal immigration custody before a judge ruled he should be freed.

The case attracted national attention after a federal court determined that Justo Betancourt, a Cuban-born immigrant living in South Florida, had been improperly detained despite continuing to comply with immigration requirements.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Betancourt’s daughter, Arianne, for her efforts to bring her father home.

President Trump welcomed Justo Betancourt back home and praised his daughter, Arianne, for her determined efforts to secure her father’s release from the Florida detention facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” He also expressed hope that the family would enjoy being reunited after the lengthy ordeal.

The message came just days after Betancourt was released from custody following a favorable ruling from a federal judge.

Months Behind Bars After Routine ICE Appointment

According to court filings, Betancourt appeared for what was expected to be a routine annual appointment with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on October 29, 2025.

Family members said he had every reason to believe he would receive instructions for his next check-in and return home the same day.

Instead, he was taken into custody.

His daughter said she drove him to the appointment and waited outside for hours before learning that federal authorities had detained him.

The unexpected arrest marked the beginning of a legal battle that would last more than six months.

Federal Judge Orders Immediate Release

Betancourt’s attorneys challenged the detention in federal court, arguing that the government lacked sufficient legal grounds to continue holding him.

On May 13, U.S. District Judge Kyle Dudek agreed.

The judge granted a petition seeking Betancourt’s release and ordered federal officials to free him within 48 hours.

The ruling cleared the way for Betancourt to reunite with his family after spending months inside a Florida immigration detention facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz.”

Family Says He Followed Immigration Rules

Court records and statements from family members indicated that Betancourt had continued reporting to ICE as required.

His daughter also stated that he had completed probation related to previous legal matters and was complying with the conditions imposed by immigration authorities.

In addition, Betancourt reportedly had a pending work permit application at the time he was detained.

Supporters argued that those facts raised serious questions about why he remained in custody for so long.

Daughter’s Fight Draws National Attention

Throughout the legal battle, Arianne Betancourt became the public face of efforts to secure her father’s release.

She spoke out about the case, worked with attorneys, and continued pressing for answers as the months passed.

Her persistence ultimately helped draw attention to the court challenge that resulted in her father’s freedom.

Trump’s public recognition of her efforts further elevated the story and highlighted the role family members often play when loved ones face lengthy legal proceedings.

A New Chapter Begins

Now back home in Miami, Betancourt is beginning a new chapter with his family after a months-long ordeal that ended with a federal judge’s decision in his favor.

For supporters, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of due process, judicial oversight, and ensuring that government agencies operate within the limits of the law.

With the court battle behind him and his family once again by his side, Betancourt can finally focus on moving forward after a lengthy and unexpected stay in federal custody.