United Airlines pilot removes passenger from bathroom during flight

In January 2023, Yisroel Liebb, an Orthodox Jewish traveler, boarded a United Airlines flight from Tulum, Mexico, to Houston, Texas. Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, Liebb entered the lavatory to deal with constipation. Despite informing his seatmate, Jacob Sebbag, that he would be out shortly, the pilot insisted on removing him from the bathroom. The situation escalated when the pilot broke down the bathroom door and forcibly pulled Liebb out, exposing him to nearby passengers. Following the landing, Customs and Border Protection officers detained both travelers, claiming they had no rights, and placed them in handcuffs. They were searched and missed their connecting flight to New York City, which added to their distress. While they were later released without charges, the incident left them with physical injuries and emotional trauma, which Liebb attributed to the pilot’s alleged antisemitic remarks. This unfortunate encounter led to a federal lawsuit against United Airlines and the Department of Homeland Security, in which they seek damages for the ordeal they endured during the flight.