In an unusual message, Donald Trump celebrated the release of a Cuban immigrant who was detained in Alligator Alcatraz, the controversial detention center in the middle of the Everglades wetlands that is preparing to close its doors.

"Welcome home, Justo Betancourt, whose daughter, Arianne, fought with great tenacity to free her father from Alligator Alcatraz. Enjoy your freedom together," Trump's weekend message reads in a post on Truth Social without detailing the reasons.

Betancourt, 54, was released on May 14 from the custody of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE) in compliance with an order issued by a federal judge, after spending more than six months in custody of the center, inaugurated by Trump in 2025.

Trump usually criticizes federal judges who issue orders in favor of immigrants to prevent their deportation, such as the case of Salvadoran Kilmar Abrego García, whom the US had to return to the country after sending him to El Salvador.

Betancourt had even lost his permanent residency due to criminal charges including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamines, one of his immigration crusades of the Trump administration.

ICE attempted to deport Betancourt to Mexico last January, but Mexican authorities denied him entry due to his medical and mental health problems, according to court documents reviewed by EFE.

Betancourt's daughter, Arianne, led the campaign to secure his release, arguing that her father had completed his sentences and had complied with ICE instructions to continually report.

The young woman, who joined groups of protesters against the unsanitary detention conditions at 'Alligator Alcatraz', has indicated that her father suffers from diabetes, requires medication and continuous care.

Alligator Alcatraz is in the process of closing, just under a year after its inauguration. Several suppliers have been notified that operations at the facilities will cease this Monday, according to information cited by the Miami channel Local10.