College Freshman Deported Before Thanksgiving Fights for Return: Details Inside

Lucia Lopez Belloza, a 19-year-old freshman from Babson College, faced an unexpected and distressing situation just before Thanksgiving. She was excited to reunite with her family in Texas after nearly finishing her first semester studying business. However, as she prepared to board her flight on November 20, she was arrested by federal immigration officials.

Arrest and Deportation

Lopez Belloza was detained at Boston’s airport, where she was informed of a problem with her boarding pass. According to her attorney, Todd Pomerleau, the situation escalated quickly. She was handcuffed and taken into custody, moments away from her flight to Texas.

Within 48 hours, Lopez Belloza was deported to Honduras, a country she had not seen since the age of seven. Her family’s asylum case brought them to the United States, and they had hoped to provide a better life for their daughters. Compounding the situation, a federal judge had issued an order preventing her deportation, as the legality of her arrest was under review.

Conflicting Claims

The Department of Homeland Security stated that an immigration judge had consistently ordered Lopez Belloza’s removal since 2015, asserting she had overstayed her visa. However, her attorney claims she was never shown any legal documentation regarding her removal or detention.

• Lopez Belloza’s family had been denied asylum but believed they would not face deportation.
• Her case appeared to be closed in 2017, according to Pomerleau.

After her arrest, Lopez Belloza was moved to several facilities, including a military base in Massachusetts, before being transported to Texas. Reports of her treatment during this time describe her being restrained with handcuffs and chains, which deeply troubled her family and supporters.

Future Plans and Legal Actions

Lucia attended Babson College with aspirations of helping her father start a tailoring business. She had worked diligently throughout high school to earn a scholarship and fulfill her dream of studying business.

Now, her focus is on returning to the United States. Pomerleau plans to seek a legal action that would require the government to allow Lopez Belloza to come back. He considers her deportation an egregious violation of her rights, emphasizing the importance of due process in immigration matters.

This situation has drawn attention to the complexities faced by young immigrants in the U.S., particularly those pursuing higher education. As efforts to rectify her deportation begin, many are rallying for her return.

Lucia Lopez Belloza’s story highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding immigration policy and the impact it can have on individuals and families.