Subway Assault by Deported Immigrant Raises Concerns

A Honduran immigrant, who is in the U.S. illegally and has an extensive criminal record, pushed two individuals onto the tracks of a New York City subway station this week. Among the victims is Richard Williams, an 83-year-old Air Force veteran, who is currently in critical condition.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has filed a complaint against 34-year-old Byron Posada-Hernandez. He was arrested for allegedly pushing both men onto the tracks without any apparent motive. Williams, described as a grandfather, remains hospitalized as he fights for his life.

Posada-Hernandez first entered the United States back in 2008 and was deported four times, with his last deportation occurring in July 2020. Shortly after, he re-entered the country under unknown circumstances.

At the time of the subway incident, he had a lengthy criminal history, including charges such as aggravated assault, domestic violence, and drug possession.

DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Biss commented, “Byron Posada Hernandez is a serial criminal who has been deported from Honduras multiple times and should not have been on our streets harming innocent people.” She mentioned that they are praying for the victims and their families, urging local politicians to take action against individuals like Posada-Hernandez to protect New York communities.

Attempts by FOX News Digital to get a comment from the New York City Department of Corrections and the NYPD about Posada-Hernandez’s status as an ICE detainee did not yield direct answers. The Corrections Department provided only information from its public database.

After the subway attack, cellphone footage surfaced showing the moments of the assault. The video depicted Posada-Hernandez pushing a younger victim before he turned to shove Williams onto the tracks. The younger victim sustained minor injuries, while Williams was reported to be in critical condition.

Questions linger about the exact timing of Posada-Hernandez’s return to the U.S. following his last deportation. Under the current administration, it’s been noted that a significant portion of Honduras’ population has entered the United States.

In a recent executive order, NYC Mayor Zoran Mamdani was criticized by DHS for what they described as a policy that allows violent criminals to pose a risk to public safety. This order follows state legislation that restricts local cooperation with ICE.

As of last February, over 7,110 illegal immigrants were held in New York custody with active ICE detainers, including numerous individuals charged with serious crimes such as murder and assault.