Court orders Trump administration to facilitate deported student’s return
Al Jazeera
February 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A United States court has ordered the Trump administration to facilitate the return of Any Lucia Lopez Belloza, a 19-year-old Babson College student who was deported last year despite having a court order protecting her from removal. The case highlights a significant legal error by immigration authorities, as Lopez Belloza was detained at Boston’s Logan airport while attempting to visit her family for Thanksgiving and forcibly removed to Honduras, despite having no prior knowledge of any deportation orders.
Lopez Belloza’s story began in November 2019 when she was preparing to surprise her family with a visit during Thanksgiving. However, ICE agents intercepted her at the airport, denied her access to legal representation, and deported her within two days. During her detention, she was held in cramped conditions without adequate shelter or resources. Legal proceedings later revealed that her deportation violated a court order barring her removal for 72 hours, which had been secured by her lawyers.
The Trump administration has since acknowledged the mistake but argued that Lopez Belloza’s prior deportation orders made her ineligible for return to the U.S., even on a student visa. The government has also contended that ICE acted independently and did not intentionally defy the court order. However, Judge Richard Stearns emphasized the importance of accountability, stating that this case presented an opportunity for the government to correct its mistake. If it fails to comply with the court’s order, it could face contempt charges.
Lopez Belloza’s case raises broader questions about immigration enforcement and due process in the U.S., particularly for undocumented students like her. Her situation highlights the challenges faced by young immigrants navigating complex legal systems and the potential consequences of administrative errors in deportation proceedings. As the legal battle continues, her story underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in immigration policy.
This case not only impacts Lopez Belloza but also serves as a cautionary tale for others in similar situations, emphasizing the need for robust legal representation and awareness of one’s rights. The court’s decision to hold the government accountable sends a message about the importance of adhering to judicial orders and respecting individual freedoms, even in matters of immigration enforcement.
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/13/2026