A Southwest Airlines flight attendant, identified as Lorenzo Thompson, a Jamaican citizen, was arrested on July 14 in Nashville, Tennessee, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for allegedly overstaying his visa. Thompson entered the United States on April 17, 2021, with a visa that expired on October 16, 2021, according to ICE.
ICE stated that Thompson failed to depart the country and remains in their custody pending immigration proceedings. The agency noted that individuals in the U.S. illegally are offered financial assistance and a flight to self-deport, with the encouragement to return through legal channels. An ICE spokesperson indicated that failure to do so could result in arrest and deportation without the possibility of return.
TWU Local 556, the union representing Southwest Airlines flight attendants, confirmed Thompson's arrest and stated their commitment to supporting the member and their family. The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) reported that Thompson was working towards U.S. citizenship, had a valid work visa, and a pending asylum case. A crowdfunding page established for Thompson's legal expenses stated he sought safety from life-threatening abuse in Jamaica and had been following legal steps toward citizenship without any criminal record.
The page described Thompson as having no criminal record, holding a valid work visa, and being a dedicated flight attendant. It also characterized him as honest, caring, and loyal.