College student deported while trying to surprise parents on way home

A 19-year-old college freshman, aiming to fly from Boston to Texas to surprise her family for Thanksgiving, was unexpectedly deported to Honduras, in defiance of a court order, her lawyer reports.

Lucia Lopez Belloza had cleared security at Boston Logan International Airport on November 20 when officials raised an issue with her boarding pass, according to attorney Todd Pomerleau. Following this, immigration authorities detained her and, within 48 hours, transported her first to Texas and then back to Honduras, the country she left at age seven.

Babson College, where Lopez Belloza studies business, has instructed faculty and staff to offer her academic and community support.

Babson College, located in Wellesley just west of Boston, enrolls around 2,800 undergraduate students. Caitlin Capozzi, dean of campus life, stated that the college is adhering to established procedures and keeping the community informed, sharing resources for students as needed.

College President Stephen Spinelli posted an online statement noting that the institution will not provide further comments due to legal and privacy reasons. He added, We recognize that this situation may be unsettling for students, faculty, and staff who may already be facing uncertainty.

Reporting for this story included contributions from the Associated Press.

Author: Sophia Brooks