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College Student Deported to Honduras Despite Court Order, Attorney Says
A Babson College freshman who attempted to fly home to surprise her family for Thanksgiving was instead deported to Honduras, violating a court order that should have protected her, according to her attorney.
Any Lucia Lopez Belloza, 19, had successfully passed through security at Boston Logan International Airport on November 20 when airport staff informed her of an issue with her boarding pass. Immigration officials subsequently detained the business student, and within 48 hours, authorities transported her to Texas before deporting her to Honduras—the country she had left when she was just 7 years old.
“She’s absolutely heartbroken,” said Todd Pomerleau, Lopez Belloza’s attorney. “Her college dream has just been shattered.”
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) claims that an immigration judge ordered Lopez Belloza’s deportation in 2015. However, Pomerleau contests this account, stating that his client had no knowledge of any removal order. The only documentation he has found indicates her immigration case was actually closed in 2017.
“They’re holding her responsible for something they claim happened a decade ago that she’s completely unaware of and not showing any of the proof,” Pomerleau explained.
The situation became more legally complicated when, the day after Lopez Belloza’s arrest, a federal judge issued an emergency order explicitly prohibiting the government from moving her out of Massachusetts or the United States for at least 72 hours. ICE appears to have proceeded with the deportation despite this judicial directive. When contacted by The Associated Press, ICE did not respond to inquiries about the apparent violation of the court order.
Now staying with her grandparents in Honduras, Lopez Belloza told The Boston Globe that she had been excited to share stories about her first semester studying business with her parents and younger sisters during the holiday.
“That was my dream,” she said. “I’m losing everything.”
The case highlights ongoing tensions in U.S. immigration enforcement practices, particularly regarding individuals who arrived in the country as children. Immigration advocates have increasingly documented cases where individuals with pending immigration matters or unclear status face sudden enforcement actions, often with limited opportunity to access legal representation.
Babson College, a prestigious private business school in Massachusetts known for its entrepreneurship programs, has not issued a statement regarding their student’s situation. Educational institutions across the country have grappled with how to support international students and those with complicated immigration statuses, especially as enforcement policies have fluctuated in recent years.
Immigration attorneys note that cases like Lopez Belloza’s are particularly concerning because they involve potential violations of court orders by federal agencies. Such incidents raise questions about oversight and accountability within the immigration enforcement system.
For students with uncertain immigration status, situations like Lopez Belloza’s create additional anxiety around travel, even for domestic flights. Immigration attorneys typically advise such individuals to consult with legal counsel before any travel plans, even within the United States, as airports remain enforcement zones where immigration officials maintain significant authority.
Lopez Belloza’s deportation comes amid broader debates about immigration policy in the United States, particularly as a new presidential administration prepares to take office in January. Immigration experts anticipate potential shifts in enforcement priorities and policies under the incoming administration.
Meanwhile, Pomerleau continues to work on Lopez Belloza’s case, exploring legal options to challenge what he describes as an improper deportation and seeking her return to the United States to complete her education.
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10 Comments
This case highlights the complexities and inconsistencies in our immigration system. A court order was apparently disregarded, which is very troubling. I hope this student’s rights and due process are fully respected going forward.
Yes, the disregard for the court order is extremely concerning. Immigration authorities need to be held accountable for actions that appear to violate judicial decisions and established procedures.
Deporting a college student who has lived in the US since childhood is extremely disruptive to her education and life plans. I hope the authorities review this case carefully and find a humane solution that allows her to continue her studies.
Absolutely. Education should be a priority, especially for young people who were brought to this country as children through no fault of their own. I hope the college and community can support her during this difficult time.
Deporting a college student who was trying to visit family for Thanksgiving seems excessively harsh. I hope the authorities reconsider this decision and allow her to continue her studies without further disruption.
I agree, the timing of the deportation is particularly troubling, especially around the holidays. Authorities should show more compassion in cases involving young students pursuing education in the US.
This is a concerning situation. It seems the college student was deported despite a court order that should have protected her. More transparency is needed from immigration authorities on the details of this case.
Agreed. Deporting someone in violation of a court order raises serious questions about due process. The student’s attorney should continue to challenge this decision through the legal system.
This is a regrettable situation. A college student being deported despite a court order is deeply concerning and raises questions about the fairness and consistency of our immigration policies. More transparency is needed.
Absolutely. Adherence to court orders and due process should be the minimum standard, especially when it involves a young person’s education and future. I hope a resolution can be found that allows her to continue her studies.