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Justo B.: Cuban man denied insulin by ICE suffers strokes during 7-month detention

Justo Betancourt, 54, a Cuban immigrant with lawful status, suffered strokes and a diabetic coma during seven months at a Florida detention facility. A judge ordered him freed in May.

May 15, 2026Miami, FLCountry of origin: Cuba

Justo B.: Cuban man denied insulin by ICE suffers strokes during 7-month detention
Photo via CiberCuba

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 roughly seven months at the South Florida Detention Facility, known as Alligator Alcatraz, despite being unable to be readily deported to Cuba. During detention he was shackled up to 23 hours a day and denied adequate care for his diabetes, neuropathy, and heart conditions, leading to strokes, cardiac arrest, a diabetic coma from withheld insulin, significant weight loss, and lasting neurological damage including tremors and mobility impairment. His daughter Arianne organized weekly vigils outside the facility for 44 weeks advocating for his release. U.S. District Judge Kyle Dudek granted his habeas corpus petition on May 13, 2026, finding the detention erroneous and unlawful, and ordered his release within 48 hours; Betancourt was freed on May 14-15, 2026.

Timeline

May 15, 2026—Released after roughly six to seven months in detention, with lasting health effects including strokes and neurological damage
May 13, 2026—Federal judge Kyle Dudek granted habeas corpus petition, ruling detention wrongful and ordering release within 48 hours
Oct 29, 2025—Detained by ICE during a routine annual immigration check-in
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