Babson College Supports Student Deported While Visiting Family

CONCORD, N.H. — Babson College has directed its faculty and staff to extend 'academic and community support' to student Lucia Lopez Belloza, who was deported to Honduras on November 20, 2023, when she attempted to board a flight from Boston Logan International Airport to Texas for a Thanksgiving visit with her family.Lopez Belloza, 19, was detained at the airport and sent back to Honduras two days later, which happened despite a legal court order that barred her removal from Massachusetts or the United States. Her attorney's claims emphasize a troubling lack of clarity regarding an alleged initial deportation order dating back to 2015.Now residing with her grandparents in Honduras, Lopez Belloza was a business major at Babson College, which has an enrollment of about 2,800 undergraduate students. In an email made public, the college's Dean of Campus Life, Caitlin Capozzi, addressed the situation, reassuring staff that although they could not provide detailed specifics due to legal constraints, they remain focused on supporting Lopez Belloza and maintaining the wellbeing of their campus community.Capozzi outlined that relevant faculty and staff were informed to ensure proper support for Lopez Belloza in her absence and mentioned that the college is adhering to protocols while remaining informed about the matter. College President Stephen Spinelli also communicated that the institution would refrain from additional comments, respecting legal and privacy issues involved.In the wake of her deportation, concerns have been raised within the college community regarding the implications of such policies and the uncertainty affected students may be feeling at this time. With legal representatives still navigating the complexities of Lopez Belloza's case, the situation remains fluid, and many are advocating for clarity and justice on her behalf.