In brief
Lucia Lopez Belloza, a Babson College freshman, was deported to Honduras while attempting to fly home for Thanksgiving. The college is providing academic and community support amidst legal complications regarding her deportation order. With an emphasis on student welfare, the college’s administration has reached out to faculty and staff to ensure support in Lopez Belloza’s absence as her family seeks clarity from immigration authorities.
CONCORD, N.H. — Babson College has directed its faculty and staff to extend their academic and community support to Lucia Lopez Belloza, a 19-year-old student who was deported to Honduras when attempting to fly home for Thanksgiving.
Lopez Belloza was detained at Boston Logan International Airport on November 20 while trying to board a flight to surprise her family in Texas. Despite a court order that allegedly prohibited her deportation, she was sent back to Honduras just two days later, as per her attorney's statements.
Having emigrated from Honduras at the age of 7, Lopez Belloza is currently staying with her grandparents. Caitlin Capozzi, the dean of campus life, notified faculty and staff about Lopez Belloza’s situation on a recent Tuesday.
While our capacity to disclose details is limited by law, please know our primary focus is on the support of the student and their family, as well as the wellbeing of our community, Capozzi noted in a public message. The college has taken steps to inform relevant personnel to ensure students receive necessary support during Lopez Belloza’s absence.
Lopez Belloza, a freshman studying business at Babson College, which serves about 2,800 undergraduates, remains a concern for the administration. President Stephen Spinelli stated that the college would refrain from further comments due to legal and privacy implications.
Capozzi assured students that the college is following established protocols and has provided resources for those affected by the incident. The college community has been informed of the need for empathy and support amidst ongoing uncertainties.
Lopez Belloza’s attorney, Todd Pomerleau, mentioned the challenge surrounding the original deportation order, stating that no record has yet been found. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed Lopez Belloza's detention but did not comment on the specifics of her court order.
