Overview
- A U.S. district judge granted Justo Betancourt’s habeas petition and ordered his release in mid-May after finding the government could not lawfully hold him while deportation was stalled.
- Betancourt, a 54-year-old Cuban national who had been paroled in 2020 after past convictions, was detained on October 29 during a routine ICE check‑in and moved between Florida and Texas before arriving at Alligator Alcatraz.
- His daughter led public vigils and legal advocacy that coincided with the court case and says Betancourt left custody in markedly worse health, reporting weight loss, slurred speech, and suspected mini‑strokes after release.
- President Trump posted on Truth Social on June 1 welcoming Betancourt home, a message that surprised the family and drew public confusion because the release had been ordered weeks earlier.
- Alligator Alcatraz continues to face scrutiny over conditions, an estimated $1 million daily operating cost, possible closure by Florida officials, and planned legal and environmental challenges from rights groups.