A Jamaican flight attendant employed by Southwest Airlines was reportedly detained by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents while on the job in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 14.
The flight attendant has been identified as Lorenzo Thompson.
According to a report by Fox News, Thompson entered the United States legally on April 17, 2021, but allegedly remained in the country after his visa expired on October 16, 2021.
However, a GoFundMe campaign launched to assist with his legal expenses paints a different picture of his immigration status. The fundraiser states that Thompson came to the United States seeking safety from life-threatening abuse and has since worked to build a stable life while pursuing legal avenues to remain in the country.
The campaign claims Thompson has no criminal record, holds a valid work permit, and has a pending asylum case. It also describes him as a dedicated Southwest Airlines flight attendant who was detained after returning to his base from a work trip.
“Lorenzo came to the United States legally from Jamaica in 2021, seeking safety from life-threatening abuse. Since arriving, he has worked tirelessly to build a stable life, following every legal step toward citizenship. He has no criminal record. No parking tickets. He holds a valid work visa, has a pending asylum case, and is a dedicated flight attendant for a beloved airline. Despite his documented status and commitment to doing things the right way, Lorenzo was unexpectedly detained by ICE on July 14th after returning back to base from a work trip. This has put his career, stability, and future in jeopardy,” the GoFundMe page states.
The case has drawn attention online as supporters continue fundraising efforts to help cover Thompson’s legal fees while he remains in immigration custody.
