Lorenzo "Enzo" Thompson, a Southwest Airlines flight attendant, was taken into federal immigration custody on July 14 after being detained at Nashville International Airport in Tennessee, according to government officials and union representatives.
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested Thompson, who entered the United States from Jamaica in April 2021 on a six-month visa but did not leave when it expired, according to federal officials.
Online records show Thompson is currently held in a correctional facility in Mississippi pending immigration proceedings.
However, friends, colleagues, and union members contest this characterization, noting that Thompson is actively seeking legal status through an asylum application and holds authorization to work.
"Since arriving, he has worked tirelessly to build a stable life, following every legal step toward citizenship," Kristin Foster, a friend, said in a GoFundMe campaign.
"He has no criminal record. No parking tickets."
Edward Marq, a fellow Southwest flight attendant and member of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, expressed shock at the arrest.
"I was shocked," Marq said. "He is a union brother to me.
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."
Marq described Thompson as well-regarded and emphasized the importance of fair legal treatment.
"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," Marq said.
"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."
Federal authorities defended the detention, stating Thompson remained in the U. S.
illegally after his initial authorized stay expired.
"ICE ERO New Orleans officers arrested Lorenzo Thompson, an illegal alien from Jamaica, at Nashville International Airport," the Department of Homeland Security said.
"Thompson entered the United States lawfully on April 17, 2021, at the Miami Port of Entry, with permission to stay for six months.
Thompson never departed and remained in the U. S.
illegally for five years in violation of the terms of his lawful admission."
An ICE spokesperson told CBS News the arrest was peaceful and cooperative.
"Thompson was cooperative with ICE officers and taken into custody without incident," the spokesperson said.
"Cooperation of this nature helps ensure the process is conducted safely and efficiently for all involved. He will remain in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings."
The Dallas-based union TWU Local 556, representing over 21,000 Southwest flight attendants, confirmed Thompson's detention and stated its legal counsel is working with his family and lawyer.
"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," the union said.
