Southwest flight attendant overstayed tourist visa: DHS
A Southwest flight attendant was arrested by the Department of Homeland Security after he allegedly overstayed his visa, according to the agency.
“On July 14, ICE arrested Lorenzo Thompson, an illegal alien from Jamaica. Thompson first entered the United States on April 17, 2021, on a visa set to expire on October 16, 2021," according to a DHS spokesperson. "Against our nation’s laws, he overstayed his visa and failed to depart. He will remain in ICE custody pending his immigration proceedings."
The arrest took place in Nashville, according to a source.
DHS has been encouraging anyone in the U.S. illegally to self deport.
Southwest did not immediately comment.
Thompson's lawyer, Tremaine Hemans said his client is in "good spirits" and had "an employment authorization document that allows him to be lawfully employed and travel domestically until a decision is made in his immigration case."
Hemans continued that his client "has no criminal record and has followed all requirements under his application process."
"Though my client is dealing with the trauma of his immigration case and now this detention, he holds his head high and stands as representation for all the people who follow the rules in applying for immigration benefit and are being criminalized in the civil immigration process."
A post from the Southwest flight attendant's union confirmed one of their members was detained by ICE.
"WU Local 556 has been made aware that one of our Members was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while at work," according to a statement from the union that was posted on Facebook.
The union said their priority is the members of his family and they have set up a fund to set up a fund for his legal expenses.
"TWU Local 556 will continue to monitor the situation closely and remain engaged as we learn more," according to the union. "We appreciate our Members' concern and support, as we all hope for a swift resolution to this situation."
Additional reporting by Jeana Fermi.
