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 a press release from Grijalva’s office, the congresswoman first learned of Benítez’s case in the Arizona Daily Star, visited her last week 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.
“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 in the release. “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.”
Grijalva posted a video on social media reacting to Benítez’s release, and the office said a video of the congresswoman dropping Benítez off at the airport is available online.
