Full Breakdown
Arrest of Four-Time Deported Honduran National Following Subway Attack
3/13/2026, 8:03:22 AM
Incident Overview
On March 8, 2026, Bairon Posada-Hernandez, a 34-year-old Honduran national, was arrested in New York City after allegedly pushing two men onto subway tracks at the Lexington Avenue-63rd Street station. Among the victims was 83-year-old Richard Williams, an Air Force veteran, who remains in critical condition due to severe injuries, including multiple fractures and bleeding on the brain. The second victim, 30-year-old Jhon Rodriguez, also sustained injuries but was able to assist Williams off the tracks before a train arrived.
Background on Suspect
Bairon Posada-Hernandez first entered the United States on January 2, 2008, and has been deported four times, with the last deportation occurring in July 2020. Following his unauthorized reentry into the U.S., he accumulated a criminal record that includes at least 15 prior charges, such as aggravated assault, domestic violence, and drug possession. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has described him as a "serial criminal" who should not have been on the streets.
Legal Proceedings
Following the incident, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer against Posada-Hernandez, requesting local authorities to hand him over for federal custody. He was charged with multiple offenses, including attempted murder and first-degree assault, and is currently held on a $100,000 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Friday.
Official Statements
DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis stated, “Bairon Posada-Hernandez is a serial criminal and four-time deported illegal alien from Honduras who should never have been able to walk our streets and harm innocent Americans.” This incident has sparked discussions regarding New York City's sanctuary policies, which limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
Criticism of Local Policies
The attack has drawn criticism towards New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who recently signed an executive order that some argue protects violent criminal illegal aliens. In February, DHS condemned this order, asserting that it enables repeat offenders to evade accountability. As of February, over 7,110 illegal immigrants in New York had active ICE detainers, including individuals accused of serious crimes such as homicide and assault.
Eyewitness Accounts
Jhon Rodriguez, the younger victim, recounted the traumatic experience, stating, “I felt really scared. I was trembling. I felt disoriented.” He described witnessing Williams' head hit the tracks and the subsequent chaos as they were rescued from the path of an oncoming train.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Posada-Hernandez faces serious charges, there is some discrepancy regarding the exact nature of the charges, with reports indicating he may also be charged with attempted murder. Additionally, the timeline of his reentry into the U.S. after his last deportation remains unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Bairon Posada-Hernandez is a serial criminal and four-time deported illegal alien from Honduras who should never have been able to walk our streets and harm innocent Americans,” — Lauren Bis, DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary
- “I felt really scared. I was trembling. I felt disoriented,” — Jhon Rodriguez, Victim
This incident highlights ongoing debates surrounding immigration policy, public safety, and local governance in New York City.
