ICE Detains Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant; Friend Says He Has an Asylum Case

ICE detained a Southwest Airlines flight attendant at Nashville International Airport. An ICE spokesperson confirmed the arrest of Lorenzo Thompson, who was identified as an undocumented migrant from Jamaica.

Union Supports Thompson

Federal officials say Thompson overstayed his visa. Thompson entered the United States in 2021 with permission to stay for six months, according to federal officials. However, officials say he never left the country.

Edward Marq, a Southwest flight attendant and member of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, said, “I was shocked.”

According to Marq, Lorenzo, “Enzo,” was detained by ICE on July 14 at Nashville International Airport after returning from a work trip.

Marq also said he couldn’t believe the news. Thompson was not just a co-worker to him but also a fellow member of TWU Local 556. TWU Local 556 is the Dallas-based union representing Southwest Airlines flight attendants.

TWU Local 556 said in a Facebook post that it has been in contact with Thompson’s family. It said, “We appreciate our Members’ concern and support, as we all hope for a swift resolution to this situation.”

Thompson Seeking Asylum

Marq explained, “Enzo came to America from Jamaica in 2021, he applied for and received a workers permit, so he applied to work with Southwest Airlines, and he’s been with us all this time.” He added that Thompson has a pending asylum case. 

The Department of Homeland Security said, “ICE ERO New Orleans officers arrested Lorenzo Thompson, an illegal alien from Jamaica, at Nashville International Airport. Thompson entered the United States lawfully on April 17, 2021, at the Miami Port of Entry, with permission to stay for six months. Thompson never departed and remained in the U.S. illegally for five years in violation of the terms of his lawful admission.”

Thompson’s family and friends declined to discuss details of the case. According to online records,  Thompson is being held at a correctional center in Mississippi.