The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has accused a twice-deported Honduran migrant of abusing the U.S. asylum system after his alleged attempt to hijack a United Airlines flight earlier this week. Rony Alexander Gomez-Alberto, who previously entered the country illegally in 2011 and 2014 before being deported, allegedly claimed asylum in 2019 by asserting he faced persecution in Honduras for being transgender—a claim that ultimately granted him entry.
The Mid-Flight Incident
Gomez-Alberto allegedly attempted to storm the cockpit of United Flight 2174 from Newark to New Orleans on Monday night, declaring he had a bomb. According to air traffic control audio obtained by the New York Post, he changed into all-black clothing before making the attempt. Crew members were able to de-escalate the situation, moving him away from the cockpit so the plane could land safely.
Past Deportations and Latest Entry
The suspect had been deported twice before—in 2011 and 2014—but re-entered in 2019 under a claim that allowed him to stay pending his asylum case. A law enforcement source told The Daily Wire that his transgender persecution claim was approved in 2020, enabling him to remain in the country legally. DHS officials now allege that Gomez-Alberto was ‘gaming a weak asylum system.’
Broader Implications
A DHS spokesperson pointed to former President Trump’s immigration policies, stating, ‘Under President Trump’s leadership, ICE has arrested 2,312 known or suspected terrorists and is strengthening our asylum system to put the safety of American citizens first and crack down on fraudsters who try to game the system.’ Meanwhile, Gomez-Alberto is currently in custody, facing state charges of communicating false information of planned arson and terrorizing. ICE has placed a detainer on him to ensure federal custody upon any potential release.
Source: www.dailywire.com — https://www.dailywire.com/news/trans-asylum-claim-has-dhs-explaining-how-hijacking-suspect-was-gaming-the-system