Nashville: ICE detains Southwest flight attendant overstay

Southwest Airlines flight attendant Lorenzo Thompson, a Jamaican national, was detained by ICE at Nashville International Airport on July 14 after authorities said he overstayed a six‑month visa issued in 2021, though supporters say he arrived with a valid work permit and a pending asylum claim. ICE maintains he remained in the U.S. unlawfully for five years and will remain in detention as his immigration proceedings proceed. Supporters and a GoFundMe page describe Thompson as a well‑liked, law‑abiding employee who fled Jamaica due to abuse and has no criminal record, while unions say they are providing family and legal support. The case ties into broader debates as DHS figures show tens of thousands were detained last month, suggesting rising immigration enforcement and concerns about due process in cases with pending asylum claims. Some outlets have critiqued the mixed messaging around Thompson’s status, noting that a valid work authorization can exist alongside visa overstays in complex immigration scenarios. The situation has drawn attention from the airline’s union and supporters, who emphasize dignity and the due process rights of a dedicated crew member.