cross-posted from: https://infosec.pub/post/49938374

A Southwest Airlines flight attendant was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while at work at Nashville International Airport. The arrest of Lorenzo Thompson on July 14 has sparked immediate pushback from his community and his labor union.

While an ICE spokesperson stated that Thompson is an undocumented immigrant from Jamaica who overstayed a six month visa from 2021, advocates and friends paint a vastly different picture of his legal status. According to a legal defense fundraiser organized on his behalf, Thompson holds a valid work visa and has an active, pending asylum case after coming to the United States to escape life threatening abuse.

Thompson reportedly has no criminal record. He was detained unexpectedly after returning to base from a work trip and is currently remaining in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings.

Union Response

TWU Local 556, the union representing more than 21,000 Southwest flight attendants, released a statement confirming the detention and offering support to Thompson:

“TWU Local 556 has been made aware that one of our Members was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while at work. Our priority is, and always will be, standing with and supporting our 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.

TWU Local 556 has been in communication with the Member’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 union has also made its Critical Incident Stress Management Team available to any impacted members. This remains a developing situation.

Citations & Further Reading:

• ICE detained a Southwest Airlines flight attendant while at work (WFAA)

• Fundraiser: Help Lorenzo Thompson Fight ICE Detention (GoFundMe)