NASHVILLE– A Southwest Airlines (WN) flight attendant was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while on duty at Nashville International Airport (BNA), according to federal authorities, after officials alleged he remained in the United States beyond the expiration of his visa.
The employee, identified as Lorenzo Thompson, a Jamaican citizen, was taken into custody on July 14. ICE said Thompson entered the United States in April 2021 on a temporary visa that expired in October 2021 and has remained in the country since then.
The case has drawn attention across the aviation industry after labor representatives and immigrant advocacy groups challenged parts of the government’s account.
Workplace Immigration Arrest Case
Federal immigration officials said Thompson was arrested without incident while working as a flight attendant in Nashville. According to ICE, he entered the United States on April 17, 2021, with authorization to remain for six months before his visa expired on October 16, 2021.
The agency stated that Thompson failed to leave the country after his authorized stay ended. Officials said he will remain in ICE custody while immigration proceedings continue.
ICE also reiterated its voluntary departure program, saying eligible individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States may receive financial assistance of up to $2,600 along with transportation support if they choose to depart voluntarily before enforcement action.
Southwest Airlines had not issued a public statement on the matter at the time of publication.
Union Responds to Arrest
Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556, which represents Southwest Airlines flight attendants, confirmed that Thompson was detained while at work. The union said it is supporting its member and family during the ongoing legal process.
The organization emphasized that every member deserves to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of the circumstances surrounding the case. It added that Thompson would not face the situation alone while legal proceedings continue.
The arrest has prompted discussion within the airline community because flight attendants typically undergo employment eligibility verification before joining a U.S. carrier. However, the union did not comment on Thompson’s immigration status or employment authorization.
Conflicting Claims Over Status
While ICE maintains that Thompson overstayed his visa, immigrant advocacy groups have presented a different version of events.
The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement stated that he had been pursuing legal immigration relief and described him as a dedicated airline employee.
A fundraising campaign created to assist with legal expenses says Thompson fled Jamaica after experiencing life-threatening abuse.
The campaign also claims he has no criminal record, holds valid work authorization, and has a pending asylum case while continuing to seek lawful status in the United States, Fox News reported.
Those assertions have not been confirmed by ICE, and immigration authorities have not publicly addressed the claims regarding his alleged asylum application or work authorization.
The case now moves into the U.S. immigration court system, where Thompson’s legal status and any pending applications are expected to be reviewed. Until those proceedings conclude, ICE says he will remain in federal custody.
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