HOUSTON — Following a serious incident involving an unmarked ICE vehicle, Miguel Parra Hernandez, 48, is recovering from surgery on his leg and faces additional procedures for injuries sustained during the encounter. Advocates for Hernandez expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the incident, which occurred during an attempted traffic stop by ICE agents on Saturday.
According to Cesar Espinosa, executive director of FIEL, Hernandez suffered multiple injuries, including a shattered ankle and damage to his leg and hip. He is unable to bear weight on his leg for at least six weeks as doctors await the reduction of swelling before proceeding with further surgeries. At a press conference, Espinosa described the manner in which Hernandez was struck as “violent and brutal.”
ICE has stated that Hernandez was not the intended target of their operation, asserting that he ran in front of their vehicle while attempting to flee. However, Hernandez’s advocates argue he fled due to the unmarked nature of the vehicle and the absence of sirens, leading to confusion regarding the identity of the pursuing officers.
Video footage from a local news outlet appears to corroborate Hernandez’s claims, showing the vehicle maneuvering in a manner that seems reckless just before the collision. The Department of Homeland Security and ICE have not commented further on the incident.
While Hernandez currently remains in ICE custody, his attorney, Kim Bruno, criticized the agency for its handling of the situation, stating that it is distressing for Hernandez to confront those responsible for his injuries daily. Parra, who has lived in the U.S. for 34 years and has no criminal record, faces the dual challenge of medical recovery and navigating the immigration system, as he is reportedly in the country without legal status.
As the investigation continues, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office is leading the inquiry into what they have labeled an “auto-ped” incident, with support from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. This incident occurs shortly after the Trump administration implemented new guidelines for ICE traffic stops, emphasizing the need for marked vehicles and activated sirens, along with mandatory body camera usage during such operations.
Photo credit: Rebecca Noble
