Texas ICE Officer Indicted After SUV Incident During Immigration Operation
A United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Texas has been indicted by a grand jury following an incident in which a man was struck by an SUV during an immigration enforcement operation in Houston. The officer, identified as Mario Alberto Morales, faces a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly hitting Miguel Parra Hernandez with his vehicle.
The indictment was issued by a Harris County grand jury on October 30, 2026. According to Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare, Morales could face a prison sentence ranging from two to 20 years if convicted. The charge is classified as a second-degree felony under Texas law.
The incident took place on October 10 in Houston, when ICE officers were involved in a vehicle pursuit. Prosecutors allege that Morales drove his SUV into Parra Hernandez, who was on foot and attempting to flee. The incident has drawn public attention because it involves a federal immigration officer facing criminal charges over an action carried out during an enforcement operation.
How the Incident Happened
According to information released by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, ICE officers were attempting to stop a vehicle during an immigration operation in Houston. Parra Hernandez, who was reportedly travelling in the vehicle, got out and ran away. Morales followed him in an unmarked SUV.
The collision occurred in a parking lot during the pursuit. Prosecutors said surveillance footage and video recorded by the officer’s body camera formed part of the evidence reviewed during the investigation.
The surveillance footage reportedly shows the SUV moving towards Parra Hernandez before striking him. The body camera recording released by prosecutors also shows the aftermath of the collision, with Hernandez on the ground and visibly in pain.
According to the information presented by prosecutors, Hernandez suffered serious injuries, including fractures to his leg. Reports also stated that he experienced nerve damage and required medical treatment and rehabilitation.
The officer contacted emergency services after the incident. In the 911 recording released by prosecutors, Morales identified himself as an immigration officer and requested an ambulance. The recording also captured his account of the pursuit and the collision.
The videos and recordings have become important parts of the case. Prosecutors have argued that the available footage raises questions about the circumstances in which the SUV struck Hernandez. However, the allegations have not yet been established in court.
Prosecutors Say Video Evidence Supports the Charge
Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare announced the indictment and said the investigation included a review of video footage and other evidence. He described the evidence as significant and said it supported the decision to bring the case before a grand jury.
The charge against Morales is aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. In this case, prosecutors consider the vehicle allegedly used in the incident to be the deadly weapon. The indictment means that a grand jury found sufficient grounds for the criminal case to proceed. It does not mean that Morales has been convicted.
The district attorney’s office also released selected video recordings and audio from the incident. The material included surveillance footage, body camera video and the 911 call made after Hernandez was injured.
The release of the recordings has brought further attention to the case and the different accounts provided by the authorities involved. Prosecutors have questioned the explanation that Hernandez simply ran in front of the vehicle, while the defence has maintained that Morales did not deliberately hit him.
ICE and the Officer Reject the Allegations
Morales and his legal representative have denied that the officer intentionally struck Hernandez. His attorney, David Lindenmuth, described the collision as an accident and argued that the officer was attempting to avoid another vehicle during the pursuit.
The attorney also criticised the indictment, claiming that the case was politically motivated. ICE has similarly rejected the allegation of intentional wrongdoing. In a statement reported by media outlets, the agency described the indictment as politically motivated and disputed claims that Morales deliberately hit Hernandez.
These statements present a different account from the one put forward by the Harris County prosecutors. The prosecution relies on its investigation and the video evidence, while the defence argues that the collision was not intentional.
The competing accounts are expected to be examined during the legal proceedings. The court will consider the evidence, witness statements and arguments from both sides before reaching a decision. Until a verdict is delivered, Morales remains accused of the offence and must be treated as presumed innocent.
Victim’s Injuries and Custody Status
Miguel Parra Hernandez, who is 48 years old, suffered serious injuries in the incident. Reports said that his leg was broken in several places and that he also experienced other injuries, including nerve damage.
Following the collision, Hernandez was taken for medical treatment and later received rehabilitation care. Reports published after the indictment stated that he remained in federal custody while recovering at a rehabilitation facility.
The case has also raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the immigration operation. According to the district attorney’s office, investigators examined whether Hernandez was connected to the individual ICE officers were originally seeking during the operation. Prosecutors said their investigation had not established the connection described in ICE’s initial account.
This aspect of the investigation has added another layer to the case, although the main criminal charge against Morales concerns the alleged use of his vehicle against Hernandez.
What Happens Next in the Case
The indictment allows the criminal proceedings against Morales to move forward. He faces a second-degree felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. If convicted, the possible prison sentence ranges from two to 20 years, according to the Harris County district attorney.
At the time the indictment was announced, Morales was not reported to be in custody. Prosecutors indicated that an arrest warrant would be issued. His attorney said he was expected to cooperate with the legal process.
The case is significant because criminal charges against federal immigration officers for actions taken during enforcement duties are relatively uncommon. It has also renewed public discussion about the use of force during immigration operations and the responsibility of law enforcement officers when pursuing individuals.
The legal process will determine whether the prosecution can prove its allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. The video recordings, emergency call, witness accounts and other evidence are expected to play an important role in the proceedings.
