A Southwest Airlines flight attendant was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Nashville International Airport earlier this month, according to the agency and the union representing the airline’s flight attendants.
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) agents detained Lorenzo Thompson in Nashville on July 14, an ICE spokesperson confirmed in a statement provided to The Tennessean. According to the agency, Thompson entered the United States from Jamaica on a six-month visa in 2021 and remained in the country after the visa expired.
According to the agency, Thompson was cooperative with officers and taken into custody without incident. He will remain in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings.
In a statement posted
to Instagram, TWU Local 556 emphasized its commitment to standing with and supporting its 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 it is in communication with the flight attendant’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.”
“TWU Local 556 will continue to monitor the situation closely and remain engaged as we learn more. We appreciate our members’ concern and support, as we all hope for a swift resolution to this situation.”
The Tennessean reached out to Southwest Airlines and Nashville International Airport for comment. Airport officials declined to comment when contacted by The Tennessean on July 24.
Here is what else to know.
Who is Lorenzo Thompson, flight attendant detained by ICE at Nashville International Airport?
Thompson entered the United States lawfully through the Miami Port of Entry on April 17, 2021, with authorization to remain in the country for six months, an ICE spokesperson confirmed.
Thompson did not depart when that period expired and remained in the United States in violation of the terms of his admission, ICE added.
According to a GoFundMecampaign organized by Thompson’s best friend, Kristin Foster, Thompson was seeking refuge from what she described as life-threatening abuse.
"Since arriving, he has worked tirelessly to build a stable life, following every legal step toward citizenship," reads the GoFundMe. "He has no criminal record. No parking tickets."
"He holds a valid work visa, has a pending asylum case, and is a dedicated Flight Attendant for a beloved airline."
Foster said Thompson, despite having legal documentation and working to comply with immigration requirements, was detained after returning to his base from a work-related trip. She said the detention has placed his career, financial stability and future at risk.
The fundraiser says donations will help cover attorney, filing, administrative and bond fees, as well as transportation and other expenses associated with securing Thompson’s release and legal representation.
As of July 24, the campaign had raised more than $41,500.
"Anyone who knows Lorenzo knows his character is truly remarkable," added Foster. "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."
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: ICE detains Southwest flight attendant at Nashville airport; fundraiser says asylum case is pending
