Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva escorted Julia “La abuela” Benítez to her gate at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Friday after Benítez was released from federal immigration detention following nine months behind bars.
According to ICE, Benítez was arrested in May of last year near Lukeville after crossing the border illegally.
According to a press release from Grijalva’s office, the congresswoman first learned of Benítez’s case in the Arizona Daily Star, visited her on Feb. 18 at the federal detention facility in Eloy, Ariz., and advocated for her immediate release. Benítez was freed Thursday evening and flew to Florida, where her daughter and grandchildren were waiting.
When Grijalva visited Benítez in Feb., the congresswoman said, "She is 80 years old, incredibly confused, doesn't know why she's here, thought she was going to be here for five days," Grijalva said. "It was heartbreaking, because as we were leaving, she thought we were here to pick her up and take her home."
Related: Congresswoman Grijalva visits Eloy Detention Center, meets with detainee
Grijalva posted the below video on social media reacting to Benítez’s release.
“Julia is finally on her way home to be with her daughter and grandchildren, who have waited nine agonizing months to see their abuela,” Grijalva said. “Still, her case begs the question: how many others like Julia are in federal detention? I will continue to advocate for those who are being silenced — because abuelas should be home with their families, not in federal detention.”
Watch below to see the congresswoman with Benitez at the Phoenix airport:
