On July 14, Lorenzo Enzo Thompson, a Jamaican flight attendant with Southwest Airlines, was detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while on duty, sparking attention in the United States.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) informed NBC 5 that ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officials arrested Lorenzo Thompson, described as an “illegal immigrant” from Jamaica, at Nashville International Airport in Tennessee. Thompson arrived in the U.S. on April 17, 2021, with a six-month temporary visa through Miami Port of Entry. However, he overstayed his visa, which expired on October 16, 2021, making him an illegal resident for nearly five years.
ICE stated that Thompson was cooperative and there were no conflicts during his arrest. He is currently detained pending immigration court hearings and removal proceedings.
Following the incident, the flight attendants union based in Dallas held a rally in support of Thompson, with his family and friends speaking out on his behalf.
Edward Marq, a member of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement and also a flight attendant with Southwest Airlines, expressed shock over the news. Marq explained that Thompson had applied for and obtained a work permit, working alongside them. He described Thompson as “very friendly, caring, and kind,” with overwhelming support on social media from those who have flown with him.
A GoFundMe page launched by Thompson’s friends for his legal defense stated that he had fled Jamaica to escape life-threatening abuse. Upon entry into the U.S., he had been in the process of applying for political asylum, with his case pending. During the asylum application review, he held a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by the U.S. government and had no criminal record.
Thompson’s family and friends have refrained from disclosing further details of the case to avoid influencing judicial proceedings but expressed gratitude for prayers, donations, and support. The union mentioned that they are collaborating with Thompson’s family, lawyers, and the union’s legal advisors.
Online records indicate that Thompson is currently being held at a correctional facility in Mississippi.