The Honduran national accused of attempting to hijack a United Airlines flight earlier this week had been deported from the United States twice before successfully gaining asylum in 2020 by claiming persecution based on gender identity, according to law enforcement sources familiar with the case.
Rony Alexander Gomez-Alberto allegedly declared he had a bomb while attempting to breach the cockpit of United Flight 2174 on Monday evening as the aircraft traveled from Newark to New Orleans. Federal records indicate Gomez-Alberto illegally crossed the southern border in 2011 and again in 2014, with authorities removing him from the country following each incident.
His third attempt to enter the United States proved successful. In 2019, Gomez-Alberto presented himself at the San Ysidro, California port of entry and claimed he feared returning to Honduras. Immigration officials granted him the opportunity to present his case before a federal judge, where he argued that identifying as transgender made him a target for persecution in his home country.
A judge granted Gomez-Alberto asylum in 2020 based on these claims. During his interactions with federal authorities, he also disclosed that he was HIV positive and reported regular marijuana use.
The incident aboard United Flight 2174 unfolded when flight crew members noticed Gomez-Alberto had changed into all black clothing before attempting to reach the cockpit. Audio recordings from air traffic control communications captured local authorities describing the suspect’s actions. The crew managed to convince Gomez-Alberto to move away from the cockpit door, allowing the aircraft to land safely at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.
Police arrested Gomez-Alberto upon landing. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office took him into custody on charges of communicating false information of planned arson and terrorizing.
United Airlines confirmed the safe landing of the flight, which carried 46 passengers and six crew members, following what the airline described as a disruptive incident involving a passenger. The airline stated that law enforcement officers met the aircraft upon its arrival.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has since lodged a detainer with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, requesting that local authorities transfer Gomez-Alberto to federal custody upon any future release from state charges. A Homeland Security spokesperson confirmed the detainer and characterized Gomez-Alberto as a criminal illegal alien from Honduras.
The spokesperson emphasized the current administration’s stance on immigration enforcement, stating that criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the United States under President Trump and Secretary Mullin.
The Executive Office for Immigration Review at the Justice Department has not provided comment on the case. The incident raises questions about the asylum process and the evaluation of claims made by individuals who have previously been removed from the country.
Federal authorities continue to investigate the incident as they review the circumstances that allowed Gomez-Alberto to remain in the United States following two prior deportations.
Related: Craig Morgan Releases Patriotic Album While Serving in Army Reserve at Age 62
