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Cuban immigrant detained seven months, suffered stroke in ICE custody, released after judge's order

May 15, 2026 · Miami, FL, Cuba

Cuban immigrant detained seven months, suffered stroke in ICE custody, released after judge's order

Justo Betancourt, a 54-year-old Cuban national who entered the U.S. in 1990 and held lawful status, was detained by ICE on October 29, 2025, during a routine annual immigration check-in. He was held for approximately seven months at the South Florida Detention Facility (Alligator Alcatraz) in the Florida Everglades, despite being unable to be readily deported to Cuba. During detention, he was shackled up to 23 hours daily and denied proper medical care despite having diabetes, neuropathy, heart and blood pressure issues, suffering strokes, cardiac arrest, and significant health deterioration. His daughter Arianne organized weekly vigils outside the facility for 44 weeks to advocate for his release. On May 13, 2026, U.S. District Judge Kyle Dudek granted his habeas corpus petition, finding his detention was erroneous and unlawful, and ordered his release within 48 hours. Betancourt was released on May 14-15, 2026.

Timeline

Oct 29, 2025Justo Betancourt detained by ICE during routine annual immigration check-in appointment
Oct 29, 2025Betancourt presented with English-language document he did not understand, described as annual registry but functioning as involuntary self-deportation order
11/2025 - 5/2026Betancourt held at Alligator Alcatraz detention facility for over seven months, subjected to extended shackling and denied adequate medical management for chronic conditions; Mexican authorities rejected deportation twice due to health concerns
During detentionBetancourt suffered strokes, cardiac arrest, fell and lost a tooth, experienced significant weight loss and neurological decline
44 weeks prior to releaseDaughter Arianne Betancourt organized weekly vigils outside detention facility advocating for his release
May 13, 2026U.S. District Judge Kyle Dudek granted habeas corpus petition, finding detention was erroneous and unlawful, ordered release within 48 hours
May 14, 2026Betancourt released from custody

Sources

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