Babson College is providing support to student Lucia Lopez Belloza, who was deported to Honduras while attempting to return to her family for Thanksgiving. The 19-year-old was detained at Boston Logan International Airport on November 20, 2023, as she was preparing to fly to Texas for a surprise visit. Despite a court order that prohibited her removal from Massachusetts or the United States, Lopez Belloza was sent back to Honduras two days later.
Lopez Belloza, who emigrated from Honduras at the age of seven, is currently residing with her grandparents. In response to her detention, Caitlin Capozzi, the college’s dean of campus life, informed faculty and staff that they should offer “academic and community support” to Lopez Belloza during this challenging time.
In a message shared publicly on Monday, 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.” She emphasized that relevant faculty and staff have been notified to provide necessary assistance in Lopez Belloza’s absence.
Lopez Belloza is a freshman studying business at Babson College, which has approximately 2,800 undergraduate students at its campus in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Capozzi assured the community that the college is following established protocols and provided links to resources for students seeking help.
In a statement issued online, Stephen Spinelli, the president of Babson College, acknowledged the unsettling nature of the situation for students, faculty, and staff. He stated, “We understand that this news may feel unsettling, particularly for our students, faculty, and staff who may already be navigating uncertainty.” Spinelli indicated that further comments would be limited due to legal and privacy considerations.
According to records from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, an immigration judge had ordered Lopez Belloza’s deportation in 2015. When questioned about the recent emergency order that prohibited her removal, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed her detainment but did not address the existing court order.
Lopez Belloza’s attorney, Todd Pomerleau, has expressed concern regarding the lack of information surrounding the original deportation order, stating that he has yet to locate any documentation related to it. This case raises critical questions about the enforcement of immigration laws and the legal rights of individuals facing deportation.
Babson College remains committed to supporting Lopez Belloza and her family during this difficult time, emphasizing the importance of community and academic support for all its students.
