US Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested a flight attendant for overstaying her visa. Southwest Airlines flight attendant Lorenzo Thompson, a Jamaican man, was detained by ICE in Nashville, Tennessee on July 14 and authorities said his visa, on which he arrived in 2021, was only for six months and he never visited the United States.“Thompson cooperated with ICE officers and was taken into custody without incident. 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 statement said.
Pending asylum case, valid work visa
Thompson’s best friend Kristin Foster started a fundraiser for him and said Thompson had an asylum case pending in the US because he survived life-threatening abuse in Jamaica.“Since arriving, he has worked tirelessly to build a stable life while following every legal step toward citizenship. He has no criminal record. No parking tickets. He has a valid work visa, 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 on July 14 after returning to base from a work trip. Was detained by ICE. This has put his career, stability and future at risk,” the fundraiser said.“The mounting legal expenses are burdensome. The funds raised will go directly to attorney fees, filing fees, administrative fees, bond fees, transportation to and from the detention center, and other costs necessary to secure Lorenzo’s release and ensure he receives the best legal representation. Lorenzo has always been the first to help others, never asking for anything in return. Now, in his time of need, Kristin and those who care about him are fighting for his freedom and Asking for support to help her fight for the life she’s worked so hard to build.”