Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Detained by ICE

A Southwest Airlines flight attendant, Lorenzo ‘Enzo’ Thompson, has been taken into federal immigration custody after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at Nashville International Airport in Tennessee on July 14. According to online records, Thompson is currently being held at a correctional facility in Mississippi.

Thompson, who entered the United States from Jamaica on a six-month visa in April 2021, allegedly failed to depart when the visa expired, federal officials claim. However, colleagues, friends, and union members dispute this account, stating that Thompson has been actively pursuing legal status through an asylum application and holds authorization to work. Friends and colleagues describe Thompson as a well-regarded and hardworking individual who has been following every legal step towards citizenship.

A GoFundMe campaign organized for Thompson notes that he has no criminal record and has been working tirelessly to build a stable life in the United States. Edward Marq, a fellow Southwest flight attendant and union member, expressed shock and concern over Thompson’s arrest, describing him as a loving, caring, and friendly crew member who is entitled to a fair legal process. Marq said, ‘People describe Enzo as very loving, as very caring, very friendly, everyone that he has flown with has really enjoyed their flying and it is evident by the outpouring of support that I have seen on social media.’ The union, TWU Local 556, has confirmed Thompson’s detention and stated that its legal counsel is coordinating with his family and lawyer to ensure he receives the support he needs.

Federal authorities maintain that Thompson was living in the United States without authorization after his initial stay expired. However, Thompson’s supporters argue that his case is more complex and that he deserves due process and a fair hearing. Thompson will remain in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings, according to an ICE spokesperson.

The Independent has contacted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Southwest Airlines for comment on the matter.