By Salma El-Sakka
A Texas grand jury has indicted ICE agent Mario Alberto Morales, 33, on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly driving his vehicle into Miguel Parra Hernandez during an enforcement operation in west Houston on Oct. 10.
Indictment and charges
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office announced the indictment Friday morning. District Attorney Sean Teare and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office held a news conference later that day. Morales faces a felony charge carrying up to 20 years in prison.
Conflicting accounts of the collision
ICE initially stated that Parra “ran in front of an ICE vehicle and was struck.” The agency described the vehicle as an SUV and called accusations of intentional conduct “reckless” and “false.” After reviewing video from local businesses and bystanders, Teare alleged that Morales deliberately swerved toward Parra, who was on foot.
Video evidence
Security footage obtained by NBC affiliate KPRC shows a white truck facing opposite traffic. Parra and another man exit and run. Another vehicle jumps a median and swerves left toward Parra’s path. The video then shows a man lying on the pavement behind the ICE vehicle.
Victim background
Parra, who has lived in the U.S. for 34 years and has no criminal record, suffered hip, leg and ankle injuries, including a broken leg. He was doing stucco work at the time. His attorney said Parra was not the target of the operation, which ICE said aimed to arrest Jose Mendoza-Cervantes. Mendoza-Cervantes’ daughter told advocates her father died in 2017.
Official response
The Department of Homeland Security placed an officer on administrative leave after the collision. DHS did not immediately comment on the indictment.
