DALLAS — A Southwest Airlines flight attendant was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement while working, according to the union that represents the carrier’s flight attendants.
The circumstances surrounding the flight attendant’s detention are not known. Information about where and when the detention occurred are also not known. Media representatives for the union, TWU Local 556, which represents more than 21,000 Southwest flight attendants, could not share more beyond its initial statement on social media and confirmation that the detainee was a flight attendant.
Southwest is based at Dallas Love Field and operates 18 of the airport’s 20 gates.
“Our priority is, and always will be, standing with and supporting our members,” Local 556 said in a statement on Instagram. “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.”
The union said it was in communication with the flight attendant’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.”
More Top Picks Inversion Table
“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.”
When The Dallas Morning News reached out to ICE for confirmation that the agency had detained a Southwest Airlines flight attendant, spokesperson Sarah Loicano said, “it’s almost impossible for us to know” since the department cannot search detainee records by employer. However, the department continues to look into The News’ inquiry. Southwest Airlines did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication.