Full Breakdown
Federal Judge Orders Return of Mistakenly Deported Babson College Student
2/14/2026, 11:12:24 PM
Overview of the Case
U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns has ordered the Trump administration to facilitate the return of Any Lucia López Belloza, a 19-year-old Babson College freshman, who was mistakenly deported to Honduras in November 2025. López Belloza was detained at Boston Logan International Airport on November 20 while attempting to travel to Texas for Thanksgiving. Despite a court order issued the following day that temporarily barred her deportation, she was flown to Honduras two days later due to a clerical error by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Court Ruling and Government Response
In his ruling, Judge Stearns emphasized the government's acknowledgment of its mistake, stating, "Now it is time for the government to make amends." He mandated that López Belloza be returned to the U.S. within 14 days, requiring the government to submit a status report detailing the plan for her return by February 18. The judge criticized the administration's previous refusal to expedite a student visa for López Belloza, which he had suggested as a solution to allow her to continue her studies while her immigration status was resolved.
Background of López Belloza's Immigration Status
López Belloza entered the U.S. with her mother in 2014, seeking asylum, which was ultimately denied. A removal order was issued against her in 2017 when she was approximately 11 years old. Since her deportation, she has been living with her grandparents in Honduras and attending Babson College classes remotely. Her attorney, Todd Pomerleau, has expressed satisfaction with the ruling, highlighting the importance of the court's intervention in correcting the government's error.
Criticism of the Administration's Actions
The Trump administration has argued that returning López Belloza would be futile, claiming she would likely be detained again. However, Judge Stearns countered this position, asserting that it is the role of the courts, not the Executive branch, to determine her legal status. The Department of Homeland Security has stated that López Belloza received "full due process" and that she missed opportunities to appeal her removal order, a claim her attorney disputes.
Broader Implications
This case underscores ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and the judicial system's role in protecting individuals' rights. The ruling has drawn attention from lawmakers, with 80 members of Congress signing a letter urging the government to facilitate López Belloza's return. The situation reflects broader debates about immigration policy and the treatment of individuals who have lived in the U.S. for extended periods without legal status.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Now it is time for the government to make amends.” — Judge Richard G. Stearns
- “Wisdom counsels that redemption may be found by acknowledging and fixing our own errors,” — Judge Richard G. Stearns
- “The judge has required the government to bring her back to the United States, which we are happy with,” — Todd Pomerleau, Attorney for López Belloza
This ruling represents a significant moment in the intersection of immigration law and individual rights, highlighting the necessity for government accountability in immigration enforcement practices.
