A Southwest Airlines flight attendant was detained at the Nashville International Airport by ICE agents who had learned that the Jamaican-born crew member was due to arrive back at his home crew base after working a trip.
Lorenzo Thompson was marched away while still wearing his Southwest Airlines flight attendant uniform and remains in ICE custody as federal authorities attempt to have him removed from the United States for overstaying his visa.
The popular and well-liked crew member arrived in the U.S. on a six-month visa in 2021. His friends say Lorenzo had a valid work visa and had a pending asylum case. Lorenzo’s supporters claim he faces the threat of significant if he were returned to Jamaica.
“Despite his documented status and commitment to doing things the right way, Lorenzo was unexpectedly detained by ICE on July 14th after returning back to base from a work trip,” Lorenzo’s best friend, Kristin Foster, said in a message posted to a GoFundMe page created to raise money to cover his legal fees.
“Anyone who knows Lorenzo knows his character is truly remarkable. He is honest, caring, and loyal, always ready to lend a hand without expecting anything back. It’s never been easy for him to ask for help, but this situation calls for the kindness and generosity he has shown to so many,” Kristin added.
The TWU 556 union, which represents flight attendants at Southwest Airlines, confirmed that Lorenzo was one of its members, saying in a statement: “Every Member deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and we are committed to ensuring this Member and their family know they are not alone during this difficult time.”
“TWU Local 556 has been in communication with the Member’s family. We are also working with the attorney retained by the Member, as well as TWU Local 556’s legal counsel, to understand the circumstances and provide appropriate support.”
A spokesperson for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) did not comment on Lorenzo’s pending asylum case, but noted that the agency intends to keep him in custody while immigration proceedings continue.
“Thompson was cooperative with ICE officers and taken into custody without incident. Cooperation of this nature helps ensure the process is conducted safely and efficiently for all involved,” the statement added.
News of Lorenzo’s arrest emerged just a day after Southwest Airlines was accused of being ‘complicit’ in the detention of a passenger by ICE agents as she attempted to board a plane at Denver International Airport.
Addressing those allegations, a spokesperson for the airline said: “Southwest complies with applicable state and federal law when asked to share information about Customers. The airline has provided guidance to Employees to help ensure appropriate legal documentation is presented by law enforcement agencies prior to interactions in the gate areas.”
The statement added: “Southwest is committed to providing a safe travel experience for all Customers and Employees.”
Lorenzo has already been moved several times by ICE since his arrest on July 14, and is currently being held at the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center in Jena.
Since news of Lorenzo’s detention made headline news, supporters have donated more than $40,000 to the GoFundMe page. Kristin says she has no idea how much his legal fees might cost, but that mounting expenses have quickly become “overwhelming.”
“His friends say…” yeah well what does the US Govenment say? And he has access to KCM.
And so you’ve already convicted him? What was his crime?
I thought we were only removing “the worst of the worst”.
It’s the law bro. They said Charles Manson was well liked too…..
I’m all for enforcing immigration, but Trump did say we were going after the worst of the worst and this doesn’t seem like the worst of the worst. Your telling me the ms13 members throughout socal are less of a threat than this flight attendant?
They said what his crime was. The whole article was about it. Oh, you just don’t agree with it? Have your mommy come down to your man room in her basement and change your diaper, you’re getting fussy. 4 more years! Hi Jack. Perfect for the subject…
That kind of paranoia is exactly how we got to this point, where the government is able to completely and utterly violate due process without any repercussions whatsoever.
Are you so incapable of giving the benefit of the doubt that you’d rather see your fellow man jailed for what amounts to clerical errors? They don’t just hand out KCM access to anyone without significant background checks either.
Please, reevaluate your stance on this way of thinking.
Federal criminal with unrestricted access to domestic passenger flights…. Definitely give that guy the benefit of the doubt cuz he’s a nice guy. Moron.
sw
did they not know his status????
The law is the law. Just like driving a vehicle while under the influence. You are either over or under the legal limit. There is no “well…sorta”. PERIOD. Was this person in the United States illegally? Yes. Did he have a valid visa? Yes. Did he have a right to work status? Yes. Does he know the restrictions imposed for the visa? Yes. So far…so good, right? Did he overstay his visa? Sadly…YES! Like your driver’s license. passport, car license tag…YOU KNOW THESE DATES because you are illegal to operate or travel without current documents. I really feel sorry for the gentleman and, hopefully, the situation can be resolved and he can stay in the United States. But…let this be a lesson to foreign nationals all over the world…you are subjected to the laws of the country in which you reside!
I meant to say, “Was this person in the United States LEGALLY? Yes! Fat fingers on the keyboard.