A Honduran national accused of attempting to breach a cockpit was granted asylum after expressing fears of persecution due to being transgender. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed these details to Fox News.
Rony Alexander Gomez-Alberto, 34, entered the U.S. illegally three times, with the last attempt in 2019 resulting in asylum being granted by an immigration judge, according to DHS. The department has criticized the asylum system, suggesting Gomez-Alberto exploited its weaknesses.
‘I am also afraid that I will be killed—either by private citizens or the police—in both of these countries because I am transgender,’ Gomez-Alberto allegedly wrote in his asylum application.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated, ‘This individual attempted to hijack a plane and claimed he had a bomb. He is now behind bars, thanks to law enforcement,’ emphasizing that a weak asylum system facilitated his entry.
Gomez-Alberto was detained after United Airlines Flight 2174 landed safely in New Orleans on November 9, following the alleged attempt to breach the cockpit. He faces charges of terrorizing, communicating false information, and being a fugitive from justice.
Emergency radio audio, obtained by Fox News Digital, recorded the authorities’ response to the incident. A voice on the radio confirmed, ‘We have him at the back door.’ The door was reportedly breached by Gomez-Alberto.
DHS previously reported Gomez-Alberto’s illegal entries into the U.S. in September 2011 and October 2014, near El Indio, Texas, and Columbus, New Mexico, respectively, which led to deportations each time.
In 2019, he was arrested again after attempting another illegal entry near San Ysidro, California. Following an immigration judge’s order, ICE released Gomez-Alberto from custody in January 2020 while waiting for removal proceedings.
An immigration judge later granted him asylum. ICE has since issued a detainer with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, requesting notification before his release.
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