A United Airlines passenger has filed a lawsuit against the airline and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, claiming he was forcibly removed from an airplane bathroom by the pilot during a flight from Tulum, Mexico, to Houston, Texas. The incident, which allegedly led to public humiliation and unlawful detention, has sparked concerns about passenger rights and airline protocols.
What Happened on the Flight?
On January 28, 2025, Yisroel Liebb, an Orthodox Jewish passenger from New Jersey, boarded a United Airlines flight returning from a trip to Mexico. According to the lawsuit, Liebb experienced constipation and spent approximately 20 minutes in the airplane bathroom. During this time, flight attendants repeatedly knocked on the door, but he did not respond.
Fearing a potential emergency, the pilot reportedly took matters into his own hands—breaking the bathroom lock and forcibly removing Liebb in front of other passengers. The lawsuit alleges that Liebb was exposed to fellow travelers, leading to extreme embarrassment and distress.
Accusations of Discrimination and Unlawful Detention
The complaint further claims that the pilot made derogatory remarks about Liebb’s faith during the encounter. Upon landing at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Liebb and his travel companion, Jacob Sebbag, were met by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers.
According to the lawsuit, the two men were:
- Handcuffed and detained in a holding cell.
- Subjected to a luggage search.
- Interrogated for several hours.
- Prevented from catching their connecting flight.
Liebb states that the tight handcuffs left him with lasting wrist pain and that the entire experience was traumatizing.
Legal Action Against United Airlines
Liebb has now filed a lawsuit, seeking unspecified damages for what he describes as wrongful treatment and a violation of his rights. United Airlines has so far declined to comment on the case, citing pending litigation.
Broader Airline Controversy
This incident has reignited public debate over airline policies and passenger treatment. Similar cases in the past have raised concerns about how airlines handle in-flight situations and whether passenger rights are being violated.
As the legal proceedings move forward, the case could have major implications for airline protocols, particularly regarding how in-flight medical situations are handled and whether airline personnel have the right to forcibly remove passengers from bathrooms.
With growing attention on the case, travelers are questioning: How far can airlines go in enforcing their rules? And who protects passengers from potential mistreatment?