A Honduran national deported four times was arrested for allegedly pushing two men, including an 83-year-old Air Force veteran, onto the tracks of a New York City subway station this week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed.
Bairon Posada-Hernandez, 34, reportedly shoved the older victim, Richard Williams, who remains in critical condition at a city hospital. Another younger man involved sustained minor injuries. ICE lodged a detainer against Posada-Hernandez following his arrest on charges related to first-degree assault, a Class B felony.
Criminal history and repeated deportations
Posada-Hernandez first entered the U.S. in 2008 and was deported four separate times, with his last known deportation in July 2020. He later reentered the country for a fifth time at an unknown date and location. His criminal record includes at least 15 prior charges, such as aggravated assault, domestic violence, weapon possession, police obstruction, simple assault, and drug possession.
DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis characterized Posada-Hernandez as a “serial criminal” and urged New York officials to honor the ICE detainer to prevent his release back into the community.
Local authorities’ response and ICE detainer status
Fox News Digital contacted the New York City Department of Correction, Manhattan District Attorney’s office, and New York Police Department regarding plans to honor the ICE detainer but received no specific information. According to the NYC custody database, Posada-Hernandez was given a $100,000 bail. Public reports vary on whether he faces charges of first-degree assault or attempted murder.
Footage from the incident shows Posada-Hernandez calmly walking away after pushing the younger victim and then shoving Williams onto the tracks unprovoked. DHS has criticized New York City for policies it says shield violent criminal illegal immigrants from federal immigration enforcement, citing over 7,000 ICE detainees currently held in New York facilities, including hundreds accused of violent crimes.
For more stories on this topic, visit our category page.
