Lorenzo Thompson, a Jamaican citizen and flight attendant for Southwest Airlines, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on July 14, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. Officials said Thompson allegedly overstayed his visa, which he first obtained upon entering the United States on April 17, 2021, with the visa expiring in October of that year.

ICE stated, "Against our nation’s laws, he overstayed his visa and failed to depart. He will remain in ICE custody pending his immigration proceedings."

Southwest Airlines confirmed the arrest, noting that Thompson was taken into custody while at work. The union representing Thompson expressed support, stating, "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 Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) said Thompson was actively working toward obtaining U.S. citizenship.

This arrest comes amid broader federal efforts to address staffing shortages and security delays at U.S. airports, with ICE agents deployed to assist Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operations. TSA employees have faced zero-dollar paychecks for over 37 days due to a partial government shutdown.

Sources