Undocumented Migrant Deported Four Times Faces Charges After Attacking Veteran on NYC Subway

An undocumented migrant who allegedly shoved an Air Force veteran onto subway tracks in New York City was deported four times before the near-fatal attack. Bairon Hernandez, a Honduran native, faces multiple criminal charges stemming from the incident that left Richard Williams, an 83-year-old veteran, in critical condition. The alleged act of violence occurred on Sunday at the Lexington Avenue-63rd Street station, where Hernandez pushed Williams and John Rodriguez onto the tracks before fleeing the scene.

Williams was pulled from the tracks unresponsive and is not expected to wake up, his daughter, Debbie Williams, told the New York Post. She described her anger upon learning about Hernandez's immigration status, questioning how he had returned to the United States despite prior deportations. 'How the f*** did he get back here?' she said, adding that she wants Hernandez to face justice in a prison setting.

DHS reports obtained by the Daily Mail revealed that Hernandez initially entered the U.S. in 2008 and repeatedly returned after each deportation. His most recent deportation was reportedly in 2020, though officials have not confirmed his return date. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has urged New York authorities to keep Hernandez in custody due to his uncertain immigration status.

'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,' said Lauren Bis, DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary. She emphasized that Hernandez's presence on U.S. soil posed a threat to public safety.

Hernandez has accumulated at least 15 criminal charges during his time in the country, including aggravated assault, drug possession, domestic violence, and weapon possession. He was charged with attempted murder, attempted assault, assault, and reckless endangerment following this attack, according to police.

The incident unfolded around 11:30 a.m. on Sunday when Hernandez allegedly shoved Rodriguez onto the tracks, moments before Williams was also pushed. Bystanders intervened to pull both men back onto the platform just as a train approached. Rodriguez suffered minor injuries, but Williams remains in critical condition at New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell.

Hernandez fled the scene after the attack and was arrested on Tuesday morning at a Brooklyn shelter following a tip to police. He appeared in court on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty, facing bail conditions of $100,000 cash or $300,000 bond. His family remains hopeful for his survival but is preparing for the worst.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has faced criticism for maintaining the city's sanctuary status, which limits cooperation with federal immigration agents and protects undocumented immigrants from deportation. DHS officials have called on local leaders to honor an ICE detainer request to prevent Hernandez's release.

As the legal battle continues, Williams' family grapples with grief while demanding justice. 'We're wishing for a miracle right now,' Debbie Williams said, reflecting the anguish of a community left reeling by a man who repeatedly defied U.S. immigration laws and has a history of violent behavior.