Full Breakdown
Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Detained by ICE While on Duty
7/24/2026, 12:12:56 PM
Core Event: ICE Detention at Nashville Airport
On July 14, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents took Southwest Airlines flight attendant Lorenzo Thompson into custody at Nashville International Airport after he returned from a scheduled work route. ICE officials said Thompson “overstayed his visa” and will remain in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings. The agency described the detention as “cooperative… without incident” and emphasized that the process is being conducted safely and efficiently.
Background & Context
Thompson entered the United States on April 17, 2021 with a visa that was set to expire on October 16, 2021. According to a GoFundMe campaign organized by friends, he holds a valid work visa and has a pending asylum case, describing his arrival as a move to escape “life-threatening abuse.” The campaign also notes that he has no criminal record.
Data & Statistics
- Entry date: April 17, 2021.
- Visa expiration: October 16, 2021.
- Detention date: July 14.
- ICE alleges Thompson remained in the United States “illegally for five years” after his visa expired.
- The union reports that Thompson’s family has launched a public GoFundMe to cover legal expenses.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Thompson’s current immigration status. The union and fundraising page assert that he “holds a valid work visa” and is pursuing citizenship through a pending asylum claim. ICE, however, states that his visa expired in October 2021 and that he has been residing in the United States without lawful status for five years. No official documentation confirming a renewed work visa has been provided. Additionally, while NBC reports that Thompson is being held at a correctional center in Mississippi, the exact location and timeline for his immigration hearing remain unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He is a union brother to me,” — Edward Marq
- “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,” — Edward Marq
- “We’re worried about him, but it’s beyond an immigration case. It’s about a worker, it’s about a union member, it’s about a family. Everyone deserves that due process and to have their case heard fairly,” — Edward Marq
- “Our role is to support one of our union brothers while respecting the legal process,” — Edward Marq
What’s Next
TWU Local 556 said it will continue to monitor the situation and work with Thompson’s attorney as immigration proceedings move forward. Supporters are contributing to the GoFundMe campaign to fund legal fees, and union leaders have called for transparency and due process throughout the case. Southwest Airlines has not responded to requests for comment.
