A Honduran man, previously deported on two occasions, has been accused of making a bomb threat aboard United Airlines Flight 2174. This flight was en route from Newark, New Jersey, to New Orleans when Rony Alexander Gomez-Alberto allegedly attempted to breach the cockpit.
The Department of Homeland Security revealed that Gomez-Alberto had a troubling history of immigration violations prior to this shocking incident.
He had been deported twice and was apprehended for a third time, yet was released from custody following a judge’s order in 2020.
This situation created a security emergency aboard the aircraft, which had 46 passengers and six crew members onboard.
Reports indicate he claimed to possess a bomb, prompting pilots to issue an emergency code for unlawful interference.
DHS confirmed that he tried to access the aircraft’s cockpit. Fortunately, the Boeing 737 MAX 9 landed safely at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, where law enforcement awaited.
Deputies from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office apprehended Gomez-Alberto after the flight landed.
A twice-deported illegal alien allegedly claimed he had a bomb and tried to storm the cockpit of a United Airlines flight from Newark to New Orleans, prompting an in-flight hijacking alert.
Authorities identified the suspect as Rony Alexander Gomez-Alberto, who was deported in 2011 and 2014 and released by an immigration judge in 2020. He was arrested after the plane landed and faces charges of terrorizing and false arson. ICE has placed a detainer as federal investigators consider additional charges.
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) November 11, 2026
Federal immigration authorities promptly sought to prevent his release.
As stated by a DHS representative, ICE lodged a detainer for Gomez-Alberto following this serious incident.
His immigration background is now central to the investigation, revealing a pattern of illegal entries into the United States.
Initially arrested in September 2011, he was first removed from the country. Subsequent attempts to enter illegally occurred in 2014 and 2019, leading to his deportations.
In January 2020, however, he was released while awaiting proceedings.
The latest incident has sparked renewed concerns about immigration enforcement regarding individuals with previous offenses.
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office has charged Gomez-Alberto with communicating false information regarding planned arson and other related offenses.
No explosive devices were confirmed found onboard, but the implications of such threats are alarming.
United Airlines confirmed the flight landed safely, and there were no injuries reported among passengers or crew.
ICE has requested to be notified by local authorities before Gomez-Alberto’s release, enabling federal agents to take custody.
The Trump administration has highlighted such cases to emphasize the importance of strict immigration enforcement against foreign nationals linked to serious crimes.
For now, Gomez-Alberto remains in custody as investigation continues regarding the bomb threat and cockpit breach attempt.
