A twice‑deported Honduran national tried to storm the cockpit of a United Airlines flight after claiming he had a bomb. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed he was later granted asylum.
Twice‑Deported Honduran Granted Asylum After Cockpit Attempt
Rony Alexander Gomez‑Alberto, 34, was granted asylum by an immigration judge after his third illegal entry attempt in 2019, according to DHS. He entered the United States illegally near El Indio, Texas, in 2011 and Columbus, New Mexico, in 2014 before being deported both times.
He attempted to breach the cockpit of United Flight 2174 on November 9, 2026, after telling authorities he feared death because he was transgender. The incident occurred as the aircraft prepared to land in New Orleans.
United Airlines confirmed the plane landed safely in New Orleans following the disturbance, and Gomez‑Alberto is being held without bond on terrorizing, false‑information and fugitive‑from‑justice charges. He remains jailed pending further legal proceedings.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin warned that the case exposed a weak asylum system that allowed a criminal illegal alien to game the process. He said the system must be fixed to prevent future threats.
Emergency radio chatter captured authorities’ response, with a voice reporting that the back door had been breached by the suspect. Law enforcement moved quickly to secure the aircraft and detain the individual.
Border Patrol arrested him again in 2019 near San Ysidro, California, and ICE released him in January 2020 pending removal proceedings before an immigration judge later granted asylum. The judge’s decision allowed him to remain in the United States despite his prior deportations.
A November 10 detainer filed by ICE with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office requested notification before his release, but the DOJ and sheriff’s office have not responded to inquiries. No comment has been provided by the agencies involved.
Fox News Digital’s Kelsie Cairns contributed reporting, and Jasmine Baehr, a breaking news writer covering politics, military, legal and cultural issues, authored the piece. The article reflects ongoing scrutiny of asylum procedures and security concerns.
