ICE detains Southwest flight attendant at Nashville airport - EUROPE SAYS
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Family and friends of a Jamaican-born flight attendant are asking for him to be released from ICE detention. On a GoFundMeset up to help Lorenzo Thompson pay his legal fees and other. . .
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Family and friends of a Jamaican-born flight attendant are asking for him to be released from ICE detention. On a GoFundMeset up to help Lorenzo Thompson pay his legal fees and other expenses, his best friend, Kristin Foster, said: “He came to the United States legally from Jamaica in 2021 seeking safety from life-threatening abuse. ”Thompson is a flight attendant with Southwest and was detained by ICE officers on July 14, according to his friends and confirmed by ICE. “So this one was a tough one for me because again, he is a ray of sunshine. So, It’s very difficult to see him in this situation,” said Tremaine Hemans, Thompson’s attorney. The Department of Homeland Security told FOX 17 News Thompson overstayed his visa by nearly five years. MORE NEWS |3 Cuban nationals arrested in Tennessee human trafficking bustThe agency said Thompson entered the United States on a visa on April 17, 2021. The visa expired Oct. 16, 2021. “He has a valid application that was filed in the amount of time he was supposed to file it you know, and you are taking years to make a decision on this, so you can’t turn around and blame the person for your inefficiency,” said Hemans. Hemans did not provide specifics as to what that application was or what kind of visa he had, but claimed he had work authorization. Lorenzo Thompson. (Photo: FOX 17 News)A federal source told FOX 17 News Thompson has pending asylum and no previous criminal history. But what does federal law say about this case?Doug Russo, owner of Rose Immigration Law firm, said overstaying a visa is a civil violation-not criminal, but it doesn’t stop someone from being detained. “It’s certainly a civil offense when someone overstays their visa, and at the same time that does put somebody at risk for being detained,” he said. He argues pending asylum cases take too long, leaving people like Thompson in limbo. “One of the unique features of asylum law is that an individual may have a pending asylum claim while simultaneously lacking a separate underlying immigration status,” said Thompson. Hemans believes this case highlights who ICE is detaining. “He also is the face for many people who are dealing with this same scenario,” said Hemans. Russo said ultimately an immigration judge makes the decision on whether or not Thompson is deported. ICE also said Thompson “will remain in ICE custody pending his immigration proceedings. ”Thompson is currently in ICE custody in Natchez, Mississippi. TWU Local 556 posted on Instagram that it stands by its members. Kristin Foster and Lorenzo Thompson. (Photo: FOX 17 News)Foster also sent us this statement in part:“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, encouragement, and generosity that has been shown to Lorenzo and our family during this difficult time. Your support has meant more than words can express, and it has reminded us that we are not walking this journey alone. At this time, we respectfully ask for your understanding as we are unable to publicly discuss the details of Lorenzo’s legal case or answer questions regarding ongoing proceedings. Out of respect for the legal process, and to ensure that nothing said publicly could unintentionally impact or jeopardize his case, we have been advised to keep specific matters private. Our focus right now is supporting Lorenzo, working closely with his legal team, and remaining hopeful for a positive outcome. We kindly ask for your continued prayers, patience, and support as we navigate the road ahead. Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared his story, reached out with kind words, and stood beside us during this time. Your compassion and unwavering support have been a source of strength for Lorenzo and everyone who loves him. We will share updates when we are able to do so. His attorney will make a statement. With sincere gratitude,Lorenzo’s Family & Friends”Southwest Airlines did not respond to FOX 17 News for comment.