US government apologizes for wrongful deportation of Babson College student after ICE violated court order
The United States government has formally apologised in federal court for the wrongful deportation of Any Lucia Lopez Belloza, a 19-year-old freshman at Babson College, in what U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns described as a “bureaucratic mess” and a serious violation of a judicial order.
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Lopez Belloza was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at Logan International Airport on Thanksgiving morning, November 2025, while attempting to travel to Texas to surprise her family.
The student had an active federal court order, issued on November 21, explicitly preventing her removal.
Despite that order, she was deported to Honduras on November 22. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Sauter admitted in court that ICE acted unlawfully, blaming an officer who mistakenly believed the court directive no longer applied and failed to flag it in the system.
Judge Stearns called the incident a “breakdown of basic legal compliance” and is considering extraordinary remedies.
These could include directing the U.S. State Department to issue Lopez Belloza a student visa, allowing her to return and resume her studies.
Legal analysts noted such judicial intervention is rare but may be justified given the government’s admission of direct non-compliance.
Babson College has stood by Lopez Belloza, providing academic accommodations, community support, and ongoing communication with her legal team.
While the formal apology is a key development, the student’s long-term immigration status remains unresolved.
The court’s final ruling, possible visa intervention, and any revisions to the original removal order will determine whether Lopez Belloza can return to the United States to complete her education.
The case has heightened scrutiny of ICE’s procedures during heightened enforcement periods, particularly regarding compliance with judicial directives and due process protections.
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As of mid-January 2026, Lopez Belloza remains in Honduras, awaiting a resolution that could restore her legal standing and academic future.
