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Judge Pushes Government to Map Return Plan for Deported Babson Student

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Detention and Deportation Occurred Despite Court Order The 19‑year‑old Babson freshman, Any Lucia Lopez Belloza, was detained at Boston Logan Airport on Nov 20 and flown to Honduras two days later, her first return since age 8 [1][2][3][4][5][6]. An emergency court order issued on Nov 21 required officials to keep her in the United States for at least 72 hours pending review, a directive that was ignored [1][4][5][6]. She had no criminal record and was preparing to travel home to Texas for Thanksgiving when ICE removed her [1][2][3].

Government Issues Apology and Defends Lawfulness Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Sauter publicly apologized, describing the removal as an inadvertent mistake by a single ICE officer and not a willful violation of the court order [1][4][5][6]. Despite the apology, prosecutors argued the deportation was lawful because a 2016 removal order for Lopez Belloza and her mother was upheld by the Board of Immigration Appeals in 2017 [2][3][4][5]. They maintained that other relief avenues existed but were not pursued [2][4].

Judge Acknowledges Error, Declines Contempt, Raises Jurisdiction U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns called the incident a “tragic bureaucratic mistake” but declined to hold the government in contempt, noting the violation did not appear intentional [1][2][3][4][5][6]. He questioned whether the court had jurisdiction, given that the removal order was filed after Lopez Belloza had already left Massachusetts [2][3][4][5][6]. Nonetheless, he urged the government to consider multiple remedial options rather than a single‑size solution [1].

Attorney Seeks Expedited Return Plan and Visa Options Lopez Belloza’s lawyer, Todd Pomerleau, filed a motion requesting a federal order that DHS and, if needed, the State Department outline a concrete plan within 14 days to restore her status [1][2][3]. The proposal includes pursuing a non‑immigrant student visa or a T‑visa for trafficking victims, though the prior removal order could complicate the student‑visa route [1][2][3]. The attorney cited similar cases to argue for swift judicial guidance [3].

Student’s Situation and Prospects for Return Since her deportation, Lopez Belloza has been studying remotely from relatives in Central America and expresses hope that a court‑ordered plan will allow her to resume classes on campus [1][2][4][5]. Her family remains in the United States, fearing further ICE scrutiny while awaiting a resolution [1]. The judge’s call for a tailored remedy leaves the ultimate path—whether a new visa, reopening the removal order, or another mechanism—still uncertain.

Sources

Timeline

Mar 2016 – An immigration judge orders the removal of Lucia Lopez Belloza and her mother, creating the legal basis later cited by the government. [8]

Feb 2017 – The Board of Immigration Appeals dismisses the family’s appeal, leaving the 2016 removal order in effect. [8]

Nov 20, 2025 – Lopez Belloza, a 19‑year‑old Babson College freshman with no criminal record, is detained at Boston Logan Airport as she prepares to fly to Texas for Thanksgiving. [3][10][11]

Nov 21, 2025 – A federal judge issues an emergency order directing officials to keep Lopez Belloza in Massachusetts—or elsewhere in the United States—for at least 72 hours to allow further review. [1][5]

Nov 22, 2025 – Despite the emergency order, ICE flies Lopez Belloza to Honduras, marking her first return since age 8. [2][3]

Nov 28‑29, 2025 – Attorney Todd Pomerleau describes Lopez Belloza as “heartbroken” and “shattered,” while the student says she has “lost her dream” of sharing her first semester with her family. [4][10]

Dec 5, 2025 – Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Sauter argues the Boston judge lacked jurisdiction because Lopez Belloza was already in Texas when the order was issued. [8]

Dec 5, 2025 – Seven retired judges submit a letter urging a contempt hearing, asserting the government may have violated the court order and undermined constitutional process. [2]

Dec 22, 2025 – Lopez Belloza’s lawyers accuse the government of bad faith; she recounts an ICE officer saying, “it won’t matter if I talk to a lawyer because I’m going to be deported anyway.” [2]

Dec 1, 2025 – Babson College’s dean of campus life, Caitlin Capozzi, directs faculty to provide academic and community support, while President Stephen Spinelli posts a statement acknowledging the situation but declines further comment. [9]

Jan 14, 2026 – In a Boston federal hearing, Mark Sauter tells the court, “the government sincerely apologizes for the deportation mistake,” characterizing it as an inadvertent error by a single employee. [5][7]

Jan 15, 2026 – Judge Richard Stearns calls the lapse “a tragic bureaucratic mistake,” declines to hold the government in contempt, and notes the violation does not appear willful. [1]

Jan 16, 2026 – Lopez Belloza’s attorney files a habeas petition seeking a court‑ordered plan—potentially a non‑immigrant student visa—to bring her back, while the judge urges the government to consider multiple remedies. [6][11]

Jan 16, 2026 – Speaking from Honduras, Lopez Belloza says she feels “numb and shocked” but remains hopeful after the apology, noting the incident has turned her life upside down. [11][12]

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