A Southwest Airlines flight attendant was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on July 14 in Nashville, Tennessee, for allegedly overstaying his visa. The flight attendant, identified as Lorenzo Thompson, a citizen of Jamaica, entered the United States on April 17, 2021, with a visa that expired on October 16, 2021.
ICE stated that Thompson remained in the U.S. in violation of its laws and will be held in ICE custody pending his immigration proceedings. The agency noted that individuals in the country illegally are offered financial assistance and a flight to self-deport, encouraging them to return through legal channels.
TWU Local 556, the union representing Southwest Airlines flight attendants, confirmed Thompson's arrest and expressed support for the member and his family. The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) stated that Thompson was working toward U.S. citizenship, held a valid work visa, and had a pending asylum case. An online crowdfunding page established to cover his legal expenses described him as having no criminal record and having left Jamaica seeking safety from abuse.