Julia Benítez, a 79-year-old Cuban immigrant referred to as 'the grandma', was released from the Eloy Detention Center in Arizona after spending nine months in custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Her health had reportedly worsened significantly during her detention, prompting advocacy from Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva, who highlighted the critical condition under which Benítez was being held. Following the public revelation of her deteriorating physical and mental health, authorities opted for her release on Thursday night.

Benítez had crossed the US-Mexico border in May 2025, seeking asylum in the United States. Upon her arrival, she surrendered herself to Border Patrol agents; however, her application for asylum faced complications. During the Trump administration, a strict zero-release policy was enacted for irregular asylum seekers, which ultimately led to her long detention without the opportunity to argue for bail in front of a judge. This situation not only underscores the challenges faced by many asylum seekers but reflects the broader implications of the immigration policies that have disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and ill individuals seeking refuge.

The spotlight on Benítez's case was intensified by coverage from the Arizona Daily Star, which reported on the conditions of her detention and the necessary interventions that led to her release. Her ordeal is emblematic of the systemic issues within the US immigration detention system, where many individuals face long periods of confinement without adequate access to healthcare or legal recourse. It serves as a significant case for advocates pushing for reform within the immigration system and calls attention to the human rights implications entangled in US immigration policies.