A grand jury in Texas has indicted ICE officer Mario Alberto Morales on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after he allegedly struck an immigrant with his vehicle in Houston earlier this month. The incident involved Miguel Parra Hernandez, who was on foot during the October 10 collision, as reported by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
Morales, aged 33, received the indictment from the grand jury on Friday morning. This case marks a significant moment as it is the first indictment of an immigration agent in Texas, in contrast to other incidents involving ICE agents, such as a recent shooting case in Minnesota.
Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare claimed, “The evidence that we have in this case is as clear as any that I’ve ever prosecuted or investigated.” He emphasized that possessing an ICE badge does not grant immunity from harming others or violating their constitutional rights.
Following the collision, Parra sustained serious injuries, including a broken leg, which his family has confirmed. ICE has stated that Parra “ran in front of an ICE vehicle,” claiming that the agent was driving an SUV and did not intentionally strike him.
However, Teare, who has a background in vehicle crimes, indicated that video evidence suggested otherwise, with investigators alleging that Morales deliberately ran over Parra. ICE has dismissed these allegations as “reckless” and “false,” asserting that only federal authorities can investigate federal officers in the line of duty.
Despite the ongoing controversy surrounding the incident, Parra, who has lived in the U.S. for 34 years, has no criminal record, according to his attorney. The incident occurred while he was engaged in construction work, and he was not the target of the ICE operation, which aimed to apprehend another individual.
As the case unfolds, it raises critical questions regarding the conduct of immigration enforcement officers and their accountability in interactions with the communities they serve.
Photo credit: KPRC
