Violent Crime and Policing

Homeland Security officials say 34‑year‑old Honduran national Bairon Posada‑Hernandez, who has been deported from the U.S. four times since first entering in 2008, was arrested this week after allegedly shoving two men — including 83‑year‑old Air Force veteran Richard Williams — onto the tracks at a New York City subway station. Williams, described as a grandfather, remains in critical condition, while the younger victim suffered minor injuries; cellphone video reportedly shows Posada‑Hernandez calmly walking away after the first push before allegedly shoving Williams. DHS says Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged an immigration detainer and lists at least 15 prior criminal charges against Posada‑Hernandez, including aggravated assault, domestic violence, weapons possession, obstruction of police, simple assault and drug possession. NYC jail records show he was given $100,000 bail on a first‑degree assault charge, though some reports say he also faces attempted‑murder counts, and local authorities have not answered whether they will honor ICE’s detainer. The case is already fueling online outrage and partisan debate over New York’s sanctuary policies, repeat illegal re‑entry, and the handling of violent offenders in the city’s transit system.