Arianne Betancourt has been an outspoken advocate for her father’s release from immigration detention, enduring months of public struggle. Judith Castellanos, on the other hand, is still waiting for her husband to return home. Both women spoke about their difficult journeys at Clearwater’s weekly Immigrant Justice Vigil.
For the past 37 weeks, dozens have gathered every Sunday outside the Pinellas County Justice Center to advocate for reform in local immigration enforcement practices.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is part of the federal 287(g) program, which enables specially trained officers to collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in issuing warrants for individuals already in custody.
Local Advocates Push for Immigration Reform
The July 12 rally coincided with the national Freedom Remembrance Movement, and last week’s peaceful protest was particularly significant. Community leader Courtney Prokopas remarked, “We are fortunate to have both Arianne and Judith share their personal experiences with the brutalities and lasting consequences of detention.”
Prokopas also highlighted that the group is gradually expanding its impact after months of consistent meetings in the same location, describing this development as both uplifting and frustrating. Nevertheless, she emphasized that the vigil has served as a vital platform for individuals to share their stories.
Arianne Betancourt’s Journey to Advocacy
Arianne Betancourt, a community advocate for Workers’ Circle, traveled to Pinellas County specifically to participate in the weekly Immigrant Justice Vigil. Previously employed as a tour guide in Miami, her life took a drastic turn when her father, Justo Betancourt, was detained by ICE in October 2025. She committed herself to his cause, relinquishing her career to help secure his release and support others facing similar challenges.
In the months that followed, Betancourt became a vocal advocate for her father’s case, participating in vigils, engaging with the media, and attending immigrant rights rallies across multiple cities. She emphasized her determination to ensure her voice was heard, sharing that her father was initially unaware of the public battle she was waging on his behalf until a guard remarked on her heroism.
The Toll of Detention
Justo Betancourt was released in May, but the reunion was far from what Arianne had envisioned. “He had lost 50 pounds, couldn’t walk, and had slurred speech,” she recalled, her voice breaking as she spoke about her father’s condition.
During a recent discussion, an audience member referenced a post from former President Donald Trump celebrating Justo’s release, leading to a surprising reaction from Betancourt, who initially doubted the veracity of the social media message.
The emotional impact of witnessing her father’s condition remains one of the most challenging experiences her family has faced. “Many have told me that I fought hard and remained strong,” she recounted, acknowledging that her determination to speak out stems from a desire to address the pain of others like her.
Judith Castellanos’ Ongoing Struggle
For Judith Castellanos, a routine immigration appointment turned into a prolonged fight for her husband’s freedom. On January 14, 2026, after attending his annual check-in with immigration officials in Tampa, her husband was detained.
“On that day, he left to sign in as he has each year. I never saw him return,” Castellanos lamented. The day after his detention, he was moved to a facility nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” marking the start of an agonizing separation from the person she described as the cornerstone of her family.
“My husband is everything to me—an exceptional father and husband,” she shared. Both hailing from Cuba, the couple has known each other since childhood. Judith explained how her husband had faithfully complied with immigration requirements leading up to his detainment.
Despite the challenges, Castellanos draws strength from her faith. “Some days, I feel overwhelmed,” she admitted. “But I refuse to lose hope.” She believes that immigration authorities are improperly targeting her husband, as he has been threatened with deportation to a third country—something he firmly opposes.
Finding Strength in Community
Arianne Betancourt and Judith Castellanos find solace in a growing network of women whose loved ones are in immigration custody. Through online forums and gatherings like the Clearwater Vigil, they share invaluable information and support one another in their campaigns for justice.
Betancourt continues her fight to bring her father home, while Castellanos remains resolute in her efforts for her husband’s release. Together, they hope that by sharing their experiences, they can inspire others to raise their voices and refuse to remain silent in the face of injustice.
“The most important thing is to not be afraid,” they stated, emphasizing that public discourse is critical in ensuring these stories do not fade into silence.
The weekly Immigrant Justice Vigil is organized by the Interfaith Coalition of Florida and the St. Petersburg Area League of Women Voters, with community leaders committed to ongoing advocacy for changes in local immigration enforcement practices.
