U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has made an arrest on a Southwest Airlines flight attendant, according to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Lorenzo Thompson, a Jamaican national, was taken into custody on July 14th while working for the airline.
Thompson had entered the United States on a visa on April 27, 2021, which was set to expire on October 16, 2021. However, he overstayed his visa and remained in the country for nearly five years, during which time he secured employment as a flight attendant.
Thompson's union, which represents over 21,000 Southwest Airlines flight attendants, has come to his defense. In a statement, the union expressed its support for Thompson and his family, vowing to stand by "our members" and ensuring that every member is "treated with dignity and respect."
Left-wing advocacy groups and the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement have launched a GoFundMe campaign on Thompson's behalf, claiming that he has no criminal record and was following every legal step toward citizenship. However, DHS records indicate that Thompson overstayed his visa and remained in the country illegally for nearly five years.
The controversy surrounding Thompson's case has sparked a heated debate, with some arguing that he should be deported immediately, while others claim that he has the right to pursue citizenship. As the situation continues to unfold, Thompson's union and supporters remain committed to standing by him and his family.
