US Immigration Authorities Deport Young Honduran Student Amid Thanksgiving Celebrations
A 19-year-old Honduran student was unexpectedly detained by US immigration authorities at Boston's Logan International Airport on the day before Thanksgiving and deported back to her home country without an opportunity for a hearing or communication with her lawyer. Lucia López Belloza had been in the United States since she was seven, and her family had come seeking better living conditions and escape persecution.
López's arrest occurred when ICE agents claimed there was an "error" with her boarding pass at the airport. She was handcuffed, shackled at her wrists, ankles, and waist, and deported to Honduras in less than 48 hours, sparking outrage among human rights advocates and immigration experts.
According to López's lawyer, Todd Pomerleau, she had no prior criminal record and was detained without explanation or due process. He described the detention as an "unconstitutional horror show." Pomerleau stated that he has previously represented other high-profile ICE detainees but said that López's case was especially egregious.
López herself expressed her emotions in a statement: "I was trying to be as positive and as strong as I can... I want to be able to move forward and maybe continue my studies, whether here or by finishing my semester at the university. And one day, to see my parents and family again."
The incident has drawn widespread criticism of President Trump's immigration policies, which have been accused of targeting undocumented immigrants unfairly. It is unclear what will happen next in López's case but her lawyer vowed that they would continue to fight for her return.
A 19-year-old Honduran student was unexpectedly detained by US immigration authorities at Boston's Logan International Airport on the day before Thanksgiving and deported back to her home country without an opportunity for a hearing or communication with her lawyer. Lucia López Belloza had been in the United States since she was seven, and her family had come seeking better living conditions and escape persecution.
López's arrest occurred when ICE agents claimed there was an "error" with her boarding pass at the airport. She was handcuffed, shackled at her wrists, ankles, and waist, and deported to Honduras in less than 48 hours, sparking outrage among human rights advocates and immigration experts.
According to López's lawyer, Todd Pomerleau, she had no prior criminal record and was detained without explanation or due process. He described the detention as an "unconstitutional horror show." Pomerleau stated that he has previously represented other high-profile ICE detainees but said that López's case was especially egregious.
López herself expressed her emotions in a statement: "I was trying to be as positive and as strong as I can... I want to be able to move forward and maybe continue my studies, whether here or by finishing my semester at the university. And one day, to see my parents and family again."
The incident has drawn widespread criticism of President Trump's immigration policies, which have been accused of targeting undocumented immigrants unfairly. It is unclear what will happen next in López's case but her lawyer vowed that they would continue to fight for her return.
this is so sad, Lucia López Belloza was just trying to chase her dreams and make a better life for herself... she doesn't deserve to be treated like this 
the way ICE handled her detention is super unfair and unconstitutional... I can only imagine how scary it must've been for her, being handcuffed and shackled with no explanation 
and then being deported without even hearing from her lawyer... 
Todd Pomerleau's words about this being an "unconstitutional horror show" really hit me 
we need to keep raising awareness about these cases and support people like Lucia who are just trying to build a life in the US 
Lucia's story is like something out of a movie - she's been living in the US since she was 7 and has grown up here, yet she gets deported without even getting a chance to talk to her lawyer or explain what happened. It's just not right 
.
.
It just doesn't add up. I'm glad Lucia's lawyer is fighting for her return, but this whole situation feels like a total injustice 
.
. I mean, what's wrong with these immigration policies?! Can't we just be kind to people who are trying to escape persecution and start fresh? 
she has no prior record, no one knows about her boarding pass "error", and yet they just take her away without even a chance to talk to her lawyer. it's like she's invisible 
what a time to be celebrating gratitude and kindness, only to have someone torn away from their family and friends without any explanation or due process. it's just so cruel 
Can't believe this is happening! Young woman, seven years old and away from home already, now she gets deported like an adult? 
ICE needs to recheck their procedures. This is not about security, it's about basic human rights! 
And what about Lucia's education plans now? Fingers crossed her lawyer gets her back here soon 
! I mean, think about it - Lucia was already in school here, trying to make a life for herself... and then this happens. It makes me wonder what other students are out there who might be going through similar struggles? We need to be thinking of ways to support them more! 
And let's not forget, there are people like Todd Pomerleau fighting for Lucia's rights - that takes a lot of courage and dedication. So even though this is a super frustrating situation, I'm trying to see it as an opportunity to make some positive change 
this is just so heartbreaking, especially on a day when people are supposed to be surrounded by love and gratitude with their families... 19 yrs old Lucia was just trying to finish her education and have a better life for herself, and what does she get? Detained and deported without even being told why. And the fact that she didn't even get a chance to see a lawyer or explain herself is just ridiculous. I mean, who gets treated like this in the US of A?