A Dallas-based Southwest Airlines flight attendant is now in ICE custody after being detained last week at Nashville International Airport, and his coworkers say the situation is far more complicated than federal officials are letting on.
Lorenzo “Enzo” Thompson was taken into custody on July 14 as he returned to BNA from a work trip, according to NBC 5 in Dallas. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the arrest, saying ICE ERO New Orleans officers detained Thompson, who DHS described as an “illegal alien from Jamaica.” Officials said Thompson entered the country lawfully on April 17, 2021, through the Miami Port of Entry with permission to stay for six months, but never left and remained in the U.S. for five years past that window.
DHS told NBC 5 the arrest happened “without incident” and that Thompson cooperated fully with officers. He is currently being held at a correctional facility in Mississippi, according to online records. “Cooperation of this nature helps ensure the process is conducted safely and efficiently for all involved,” the agency’s statement read. “He will remain in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings.”
But people who know Thompson best say his case isn’t as clear cut as the federal statement suggests. Edward Marq, a member of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, said Thompson has a pending asylum case that predates his detention.
“Enzo came to America from Jamaica in 2021, he applied for and received a workers permit, so he applied to work with Southwest Airlines and he’s been with us all this time,” Marq told NBC 5.
Marq and Thompson aren’t just coworkers. Both are members of TWU Local 556, the Dallas-based union representing Southwest flight attendants, which is part of why the detention hit so hard within the group.
“He is a union brother to me,” Marq said. “People describe Enzo as very loving, as very caring, very friendly, everyone that he has flown with has really enjoyed their flying and it is evident by the outpouring of support that I have seen on social media.”
TWU Local 556 has publicly backed Thompson since news of his detention spread. “Our priority is, and always will be, standing with and supporting our Members,” the union wrote in a statement. “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.”
Thompson’s family and friends told NBC 5 they’re limited in what they can say publicly given the ongoing legal proceedings, but they expressed gratitude for the support pouring in since his arrest. As of Friday morning, Southwest Airlines had not responded to a request for comment.