In brief
Lucia Lopez Belloza, a 19-year-old Babson College student, was detained at Logan International Airport and deported to Honduras weeks before Thanksgiving. Despite having a court order prohibiting her removal, she remains with her grandparents while the college community rallies for her support amidst legal discussions regarding her deportation.
CONCORD, N.H. (Civitas.global) — Babson College is offering resources and academic support to a student, Lucia Lopez Belloza, who was recently deported to Honduras. Lopez Belloza, 19, faced detention while attempting to board a flight from Boston Logan International Airport to Texas for a surprise family visit on November 20. Her attorney informed that she was sent back just two days later, despite an existing court order that should have protected her from deportation.
Having moved to the U.S. from Honduras at the age of 7, Lopez Belloza is currently staying with her grandparents in Honduras. The college's Dean of Campus Life, Caitlin Capozzi, communicated the situation to faculty and staff, emphasizing the institution's unwavering dedication to student support during this difficult time.
In her message, Capozzi stated, Our ability to share specifics is limited by law, but please know that our focus remains on supporting the student and their family, as well as the wellbeing of our community. Relevant faculty have been informed to ensure appropriate support while Lopez Belloza is absent from campus.
Lopez Belloza, a freshman studying business at Babson College, is amidst a community of about 2,800 undergraduates. College President Stephen Spinelli also commented on the situation, conveying caution regarding further disclosures while legal processes are being followed.
We understand that this news may feel unsettling, particularly for our students, faculty, and staff who may already be navigating uncertainty, Spinelli added.
Lopez Belloza's case has drawn attention as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed she was originally ordered deported back in 2015. However, her attorney discovered no existing documentation related to this order. The Department of Homeland Security acknowledged her detention but did not provide clarification about the aforementioned court order, leaving many questions unanswered regarding her deportation.
}
