The family of a deceased immigrant is expressing outrage after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) mistakenly circulated his photo in connection with a recent incident involving an SUV driven by one of its agents. According to sources, the man ICE was reportedly targeting, Jose Mendoza-Cervantes, has been dead since 2017.
On October 10, in Houston, Texas, an ICE agent struck Miguel Parra Hernández, causing him serious injuries. ICE initially claimed the vehicle was attempting to detain Mendoza-Cervantes when the collision occurred. However, the advocacy group FIEL Houston revealed that the photo of the alleged fugitive was actually that of José Hector Jimenez Mendoza, the father of an ICE target who died nearly a decade ago.
Cesar Espinosa, head of FIEL Houston, stated during a press conference that Mendoza’s daughter was devastated to see her father’s image presented as that of a wanted fugitive. “She called our office sobbing because she saw her dad’s picture all over the news,” he said. The group has submitted documents regarding the situation to Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare.
Following the incident, ICE released a statement mentioning that agents were conducting a targeted operation and that Parra had run in front of their vehicle. However, witnesses and family members reported that the collision left Parra with severe injuries, including a broken leg.
Teare is currently investigating ICE for possible aggravated assault related to the incident. He expressed that video evidence suggests the agent intentionally struck Parra, a claim that ICE has denied, labeling it “reckless and false.” A senior Department of Homeland Security official mentioned that the agency is reviewing bodycam footage related to the incident, but no decision has been made on whether it will be released.
As the investigation unfolds, advocates are demanding transparency from ICE. Espinosa stated, “We need them to come clean and turn over all body camera footage.” The scrutiny surrounding this case raises serious questions not only about the actions of law enforcement but also about the accuracy of their operations involving individuals who may no longer be living.
Photo credit: KPRC
