BOSTON—Babson College is standing firm in its support for a student illegally deported to Honduras, raising eyebrows and igniting controversy in the academic community. Lucia Lopez Belloza, 19, was detained at Boston Logan International Airport on November 20, 2025, just as she was about to embark on a flight to Texas to surprise her family for Thanksgiving.

Reports indicate that Lopez Belloza was swiftly sent to Honduras just two days after her detention, despite a court order that allegedly prohibited her removal from Massachusetts or the United States. The legal situation is murky, with her attorney, Todd Pomerleau, stating he has been unable to trace any record of her original deportation order, further complicating the ordeal.

In a message to faculty and staff, Dean of Campus Life Caitlin Capozzi urged them to provide "academic and community support" for Lopez Belloza during her absence. “Our ability to share specifics is limited by law, but please know that our focus remains on supporting the student and their family,” Capozzi wrote, highlighting the institution's commitment amidst the unfolding drama.

Babson College, located just west of Boston in Wellesley, has approximately 2,800 undergraduate students and is now under scrutiny for its handling of this sensitive situation. College President Stephen Spinelli stated that the institution would not comment further due to legal constraints, despite the nature of this case that has left many in the community concerned about the implications for students navigating a complex immigration landscape.

With Lopez Belloza now living with her grandparents in Honduras, the controversy surrounding her deportation raises critical questions about the legal processes involved in immigration enforcement and the protective measures that educational institutions can take. As Babson College grapples with the backlash, the fate of this student hangs in the balance, and the story is far from over.