Honduran illegal alien would-be hijacker granted asylum in 2020 for being 'trans': report
A Honduran man unauthorized entry into the U.S. years earlier was granted asylum in 2020 after claiming to be transgender, a factor cited in his asylum case. He allegedly attempted to hijack a United Airlines flight to New Orleans by claiming to have a bomb, but was restrained by crew and passengers and later arrested. Authorities note that the individual had previously been removed after two prior illegal entries, with a recent attempt to gain entry via San Ysidro before winning asylum. The incident has prompted DHS officials to reiterate immigration enforcement messages and ongoing detainers. The case raises questions about asylum determinations and security risks, with next steps focusing on legal proceedings and potential policy implications.
Dive Deeper:
The subject, Rony Alexander Gomez-Alberto, is from Honduras and entered the U.S. illegally multiple times, including 2011 near El Indio, Texas, and 2014 near Columbus, New Mexico, after which he was removed.
He sought asylum in 2020 by claiming transgender status, a case that, according to sources, placed him at odds with his home country and influenced his able-to-stay outcome.
On the latest incident, United Airlines Flight 2174 traveling from Newark to New Orleans allegedly saw Gomez-Alberto declare a bomb and attempt to storm the cockpit, though the crew redirected him and he was detained at the rear of the aircraft.
After landing, authorities conducted an arrest, with Gomez-Alberto facing charges for communicating false information of planned arson and terrorizing, and an ICE detainer was lodged with local authorities.
Officials cited statements from Homeland Security that the individual is a criminal illegal alien and referenced political rhetoric about asylum and border enforcement, signaling ongoing policy and enforcement discussions.