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.”
