A Dallas-based flight attendants union is standing behind one of its members after a Southwest Airlines employee was taken into ICE custody last week. Federal officials say Lorenzo Thompson overstayed his visa, but supporters say there is more to the story. “I was shocked,” said Edward Ma rq, member of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement. Marq says he couldn’t believe the news, then learned the flight attendant detained last week wasn’t just a coworker; he was a fellow member of TWU Local 556, the Dallas-based union of Southwest Airlines flight attendants. “He is a union brother to me,” Marq said. Marq is also a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines. Marq says Lorenzo “Enzo” Thompson was detained by ICE on July 14, after returning to Nashville International Airport from a work trip. “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 explained. Marq says Thompson has a pending asylum case. The Department of Homeland Security told NBC 5, “ICE ERO New Orleans officers arrested Lorenzo Thompson, an illegal alien from Jamaica, at Nashville International Airport.Thompson entered the United States lawfully on April 17, 2021, at the Miami Port of Entry, with permission to stay for six months. Thompson never departed and remained in the U.S. illegally for five years in violation of the terms of his lawful admission. Thompson was cooperative with ICE officers and taken into custody without incident. 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.” 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.” Thompson’s family and friends declined to discuss details of the case saying they don’t want to jeopardize the legal process, but thanked people for prayers, donations and support. Thompson’s union says it’s also working with Thompson’s family, his attorney and its own legal counsel. “We’re worried about him, but it’s beyond an immigration case. It’s about a worker, it’s about a union member, it’s about a family. Everyone deserves that due process and to have their case heard fairly,” Marq said. Online records show Thompson is being held at a correctional center in Mississippi. Southwest Airlines has not responded to NBC 5’s request for comment. ...read more read less