Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested Lorenzo Thompson, a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines, at Nashville International Airport last week, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Thompson is an undocumented immigrant from Jamaica who came to the United States on a six-month visa in 2021 but remained in the country after his legal status expired.
Thompson is currently in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings. According to ICE, individuals who voluntarily depart are offered a $2,600 cash stipend and a free flight home, along with the opportunity to return legally in the future. Those who do not self-deport face arrest and deportation without the chance to re-enter the country.
What the Left Is Saying
Labor organizations have rallied around Thompson, emphasizing his lack of criminal history and his pending immigration case. TWU Local 556, which represents Southwest flight attendants, issued a statement pledging support for Thompson and his family. "Every Member deserves to be treated with dignity and respect," the union said, adding that it is working with its legal counsel on how to address the situation.
The Association of Flight Attendants also shared a statement of solidarity. "Today, we stand with our brother Enzo and his union family. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to standing by workers and their families through every challenge," the AFA said. The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement joined in expressing support.
A GoFundMe campaign started by Thompson's friend Kristin Foster had raised $43,018 of its $45,000 goal as of Thursday afternoon. According to Foster's statement on the fundraising page, Thompson came to the United States legally from Jamaica in 2021 "seeking safety from life-threatening abuse." She emphasized that he has no criminal record, holds a valid work permit, and has a pending case with US immigration.
What the Right Is Saying
Immigration enforcement officials maintain that Thompson violated federal law by remaining in the country after his visa expired. An ICE representative told Fox News: "Against our nation's laws, [Lorenzo Thompson] overstayed his visa and failed to depart." The agency stated he will remain in custody until his immigration proceedings are resolved.
ICE has emphasized its self-deportation program as an alternative for those present without legal authorization. The agency stated that individuals who choose this option receive financial assistance and the possibility of returning legally in the future, while those who do not comply face removal "without a chance to return."
What the Numbers Show
Thompson entered the United States on a B-2 tourist visa valid for six months in 2021. Federal immigration records indicate he did not depart before that status expired. According to Department of Homeland Security data, visa overstays account for a significant portion of undocumented immigration in the United States, though exact figures vary by year and administration.
Thompson's GoFundMe campaign reached $43,018 toward its $45,000 goal as of Thursday afternoon, with over 1,200 donors contributing. The funds are described as supporting legal fees and his family during his detention.
The Bottom Line
ICE has confirmed Thompson is in federal custody pending immigration court proceedings, which could take months or years to resolve. His case highlights the tension between employment-based immigration pathways and enforcement actions against workers discovered to be without legal status. A hearing date for Thompson's case has not yet been publicly scheduled.