Credit: Kristin Foster/GoFundMe; Wikimedia Commons

ICE officers arrested a Southwest Airlines flight attendant who is a Jamaican illegal alien while he was on the job.

Lorenzo “Enzo” Thompson was taken into custody by New Orleans Enforcement and Removal Operations officers at Nashville International Airport on July 14.

According to Fox News reporter Bill Melugin, citing the Department of Homeland Security, Thompson is a Jamaican national who entered the United States lawfully on April 17, 2021, at the Miami Port of Entry on a visa that authorized him to stay only six months. That authorization expired on October 16, 2021. He never left.

BREAKING: DHS confirms to @FoxNews that ICE has arrested a Southwest Airlines flight attendant while at work on July 14th. DHS says Lorenzo Thompson is a Jamaican illegal alien who came to the US on a visa on 4/27/2021, which was set to expire on 10/16/2021, but he illegally… pic.twitter.com/WGcetRDFFo

— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) July 23, 2026

For nearly five years Thompson remained in the country illegally, secured employment as a Southwest Airlines flight attendant, and continued working in a position that places him in the cabin with American passengers until ICE finally caught up with him.

Thompson’s union, TWU Local 556, which represents more than 21,000 Southwest flight attendants, immediately circled the wagons.

In a statement, the union said it was in contact with his family and legal counsel and vowed to stand with “our members.”

“TWU Local 556 has been made aware that one of our Members was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while at work.

Our priority is, and always will be, standing with and supporting our Members. 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.

TWU Local 556 has been in communication with the Member’s family. We are also working with the attorney retained by the Member, as well as TWU Local 556’s legal counsel, to understand the circumstances and provide appropriate support.

Many Members have inquired about how to help. We understand family and friends have set up a fund to assist with legal expenses, and it is being shared publicly on social media by other Members.

TWU Local 556 will continue to monitor the situation closely and remain engaged as we learn more. We appreciate our Members’ concern and support, as we all hope for a swift resolution to this situation.”

Left-wing advocacy groups and the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement quickly launched a GoFundMe, claiming Thompson has no criminal record, holds a “valid work visa,” and was “following every legal step toward citizenship.”

DHS records tell a different story: visa overstay, illegal presence for five years.

“TWU Local 556 member Lorenzo “Enzo” Thompson was detained by ICE on July 14, despite having no criminal record. Enzo was following every legal step toward citizenship. He had a valid work visa and was a dedicated flight attendant, touching countless lives with his kindness.

Today, we stand with our brother Enzo and his union family. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to standing by workers and their families through every challenge.

Every contribution makes a difference. Please support Lorenzo’s legal defense fund to help him obtain the legal representation he needs and continue the fight for his release.”