A Honduran national previously deported twice from the United States allegedly attempted to breach the cockpit of a commercial flight while claiming to have a bomb, prompting federal authorities to lodge an immigration detainer following his arrest in Louisiana.
Mid-Air Emergency Over New Orleans
Rony Alexander Gomez-Alberto was taken into custody by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office after United Airlines Flight 2174 made an emergency landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on November 10, 2026. The Boeing 737 MAX 9, carrying 46 passengers and six crew members, had departed from Newark when the incident occurred. Pilots issued a hijacking alert after Gomez-Alberto allegedly threatened the presence of an explosive device and attempted to force entry into the cockpit during the flight.
United Airlines confirmed the disturbance in a statement, noting that law enforcement met the aircraft immediately upon arrival. The airline deferred additional questions to local authorities, who booked Gomez-Alberto on charges of communicating false information of planned arson and terrorizing. The Department of Homeland Security separately listed bomb threat, terroristic threat, and disorderly conduct among the offenses.
Decades-Long Immigration Violations
Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodged a detainer for Gomez-Alberto on November 11, identifying him as a criminal illegal alien with an extensive history of unauthorized entries into the United States. Border Patrol first apprehended him near El Indio, Texas, in September 2011 following an illegal border crossing. He was removed from the country but returned, leading to a second arrest near Columbus, New Mexico, in October 2014 and subsequent deportation.
Border Patrol arrested Gomez-Alberto a third time in 2019 after another attempted illegal entry near San Ysidro, California. Despite this pattern, an immigration judge ordered his release from ICE custody in January 2020 pending removal proceedings. He remained in the United States until Monday’s alleged cockpit breach attempt, which prompted federal authorities to issue a new detainer with the Jefferson Parish facility.
Federal Response Under New Administration
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson emphasized the current administration’s stance on immigration enforcement following the incident. The statement declared that criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the United States under President Trump and Secretary Mullin. The case highlights ongoing debates about immigration enforcement procedures, particularly regarding the release of individuals with prior deportation orders while awaiting immigration proceedings. Federal authorities have not disclosed whether additional charges beyond the local counts may be filed in connection with the alleged bomb threat and attempted cockpit breach aboard the commercial aircraft.