A Southwest Airlines flight attendant was recently taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
"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," a union representing more than 21,000 Southwest flight attendants said in a statement posted to social media this week.
"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 added.
"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."
In a statement to CBS News Texas, an ICE spokesperson identified the detainee as Lorenzo Thompson, and confirmed he was taken into custody in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 14.
ICE alleges Thompson entered the U.S. from Jamaica on a six-month visa in 2021 but never departed.
"Thompson was cooperative with ICE officers and taken into custody without incident," the agency said in a statement. "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."
A GoFundMe campaign organized on Thompson's behalf claims that he holds a valid work visa and a pending asylum case.
Last week's arrest comes just months after ICE officers were deployed to airports nationwide amid TSA staffing shortages prompted by the partial government shutdown.
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