Southwest Flight Attendant Detained by ICE at Nashville Airport
A Southwest Airlines flight attendant was detained by ICE while reporting for work at Nashville International Airport, drawing national attention and prompting support from his union.
Lorenzo Thompson, a Jamaican citizen, was arrested on July 14 after arriving at the airport for his scheduled shift. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Thompson overstayed a visa that expired in October 2021 and will remain in federal custody while his immigration case moves through the legal system.
What Happened?
ICE said Lorenzo was taken into custody without incident about 10 days before news of the arrest became widely publicized. A DHS spokesperson said Thompson entered the U.S. lawfully on April 17, 2021, at the Miami Port of Entry, with permission to stay for six months, and never departed. "Being in detention is a choice," the spokesperson added, noting that the agency encourages people to arrange their own departure through the CBP Home App. Thompson is reportedly being held at a correctional facility in Mississippi, according to online detention records.
It seems he entered the United States legally, but, later, remained in the country beyond the expiration of his authorized stay. ICE says his case is now pending before an immigration judge.
His Union Is Speaking Out
The union representing Southwest flight attendants, TWU Local 556, has publicly voiced its support for Lorenzo. Union leaders described him as a valued employee and said they're working with his family and legal team while encouraging members to respect his privacy. "Our priority is, and always will be, standing with and supporting our Members. 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," the union said in a statement.
They also said they believe there is more to the story than has been made public.
A Different Account From Friends and Supporters
Friends and supporters have disputed ICE's characterization of Lorenzo's immigration status. According to those close to him, Lorenzo has a pending asylum case and valid authorization to work in the United States. Thompson's attorney, Tremaine Hemans, said his client holds an employment authorization document that legally allows him to work and travel domestically while his immigration case remains pending, and that Thompson is in "good spirits" despite his detention.
Edward Marq, a fellow Southwest flight attendant and member of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, said Thompson applied for and received a work permit after arriving in the country and has worked for the airline ever since. A federal source has also said Thompson has no prior criminal history. Friends describe him as "honest, caring, and loyal," according to a GoFundMe campaign set up to help cover his legal expenses, with his best friend, Kristin Foster, writing that he came to the U.S. "seeking safety from life-threatening abuse."
Those claims haven't been confirmed by ICE, and the legal proceedings are ongoing.
Immigration Attorneys Weigh In
Doug Russo, an immigration attorney not connected to the case, noted that overstaying a visa is generally treated as a civil violation rather than a criminal one, though it can still result in detention. "It's certainly a civil offense when someone overstays their visa, and at the same time that does put somebody at risk for being detained," Russo said. He added that lengthy asylum case backlogs can leave people in prolonged legal limbo, since it's possible to have a pending asylum claim while simultaneously lacking a separate underlying immigration status.
The Case Continues
Lorenzo will remain in ICE custody while his case moves through the immigration court system. As the legal process continues, more information may emerge about his immigration status and any pending applications. Until then, both ICE and Lorenzo's supporters will most likely continue to stand by their differing accounts of the case, but the courts will ultimately determine the outcome.
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