Texas Grand Jury Indicts ICE Officer for Aggravated Assault in Vehicle Incident

UPDATE - follow-up to ICE officer indicted in Texas after allegedly hitting man with vehicle: A federal immigration officer faces a felony charge after a grand jury indictment in Houston. Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare announced that ICE Officer Mario Alberto Morales faces aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

The Charges

If convicted, Morales faces two to 20 years in prison. The charge follows an October 10 vehicle pursuit involving 48-year-old Miguel Parra-Hernandez. Teare stated that Parra-Hernandez is a Mexican national living in Texas for over 30 years without legal documentation. Officials confirmed he has no criminal record and no deportation order.

The Incident

Video footage played at a news conference showed Morales striking Parra-Hernandez with a 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Teare accused the officer of aggressively steering into the victim and running over both of his legs, causing a broken leg. In body camera footage, an officer is heard saying he hit a man with the car. In a 911 call played at the briefing, Morales told a dispatcher that Parra-Hernandez jumped out of a vehicle and hit his car.

Agency Response

ICE called the indictment a political stunt and argued that local officials lack authority to investigate federal officers doing their jobs. The agency called the intentional strike allegations reckless and false. Teare also revealed that while ICE claimed agents were chasing a man named Jose Mendoza-Cervantes, that individual has apparently been dead for nine years.

Context

Law enforcement vehicle pursuits and use of force cases are subject to intense legal scrutiny when injuries occur. The conflict between local prosecutors and federal agencies often arises when state officials investigate actions taken by federal personnel during immigration operations.