Thanksgiving Trip Ends in Forced Deportation Lucia Lopez Belloza, a 19‑year‑old freshman at Babson College, traveled to Boston to visit family for Thanksgiving and was detained at the airport on November 20. Two days later, ICE placed her on a flight to Honduras on November 22, one day after a federal judge ordered her to remain in the United States [1]. The deportation occurred despite the timing of the court order, prompting immediate legal challenges [1].

Judge’s Stay Order Overlooked by ICE Lopez Belloza’s attorneys argue that ICE acted in bad faith by moving her without notifying her or updating the detainee‑locator system, effectively violating the November 21 injunction [1]. The government contends the judge lacked jurisdiction because the order was issued while she was already en route out of the country [1]. Lawyers have filed motions demanding a hearing to allow her return and to testify about the removal process [1].

Alleged Officer Intimidation During Processing The student described a “tall, muscular, intimidating” ICE officer who told her that speaking to a lawyer would not matter because deportation was inevitable [1]. She was permitted to call her family only after the officer’s warning, and she learned of the flight to Honduras during that call [1]. The account raises concerns about coercive tactics used during immigration enforcement [1].

Retired Judges Seek Contempt Hearing Seven retired judges submitted a letter urging a contempt hearing, asserting that the government may have willfully violated the court order and undermined constitutional procedures [1]. Their involvement underscores the legal community’s alarm over potential executive overreach in immigration cases [1]. The request adds pressure on the judiciary to enforce compliance with its directives [1].