The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed Tuesday that a man arrested for attempting to storm the cockpit of a United Airlines flight had been deported twice before and was living in the U.S. illegally. The incident occurred on a Newark-to-New Orleans flight late Monday, sparking a swift law enforcement response.
Mid-Flight Chaos
Rony Alexander Gomez-Alberto, 34, allegedly tried to force his way into the cockpit of United Flight 2174 while claiming to possess a bomb, according to DHS. Crew members managed to de-escalate the situation, convincing him to move to the rear of the aircraft where he was restrained until landing. The pilots remained barricaded in the cockpit as authorities prepared to meet the plane upon arrival at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.
ICE Detainer Filed
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) quickly lodged a detainer for Gomez-Alberto, who had previously been removed from the U.S. in 2011 and 2014. DHS emphasized its stance under the current administration, stating that “criminal illegal aliens who try to hijack airplanes are not welcome” in the country.
History of Illegal Entries
Court records reveal Gomez-Alberto first crossed illegally into Texas in 2011 before being deported. After a second removal in 2014 following an apprehension in New Mexico, he illegally re-entered again in 2019 through California. Though arrested by Border Patrol that year, he was released from ICE custody in January 2020 pending removal proceedings and had been residing in New York prior to the incident.
Multiple Charges Pending
Jefferson Parish deputies booked Gomez-Alberto on state charges including communicating false information of planned arson and terrorizing. DHS listed additional potential federal charges related to bomb threats and disorderly conduct. The FBI confirmed the U.S. Attorney’s Office will determine whether to pursue federal prosecution, while the FAA has opened its own investigation into the aviation security breach.
United Airlines confirmed the flight landed safely after what it described as “a disruptive incident involving a passenger” and thanked law enforcement for their response. The Boeing 737 MAX 9 carried 46 passengers and six crew members at the time of the incident.
Source: www.breitbart.com โ https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2026/11/10/dhs-says-twice-deported-illegal-alien-tried-to-storm-united-cockpit/