ICE officer charged after SUV collision

Miguel Parra Hernandez, a 48-year-old construction worker, is recovering at a rehabilitation facility with a broken leg after being struck by an unmarked SUV in Houston. He is currently held in federal custody. His attorney and local prosecutors describe the incident as a collision that occurred during a chase in a parking lot.

Mario Alberto Morales, a 33-year-old U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, turned himself in on Monday. His first court appearance was held regarding a felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. A grand jury indicted Morales on Friday for the incident that took place on Oct. 10.

Judge Matthew Peneguy set bond for Morales at $30,000 during the hearing. Prosecutors had requested a higher amount of $75,000, according to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. The judge’s decision leaves the officer with a lower financial threshold to secure his release while awaiting trial.

Surveillance video shows Morales driving his vehicle over a median before striking Parra Hernandez as the worker ran away. ICE maintains that Parra Hernandez ran directly in front of the vehicle. Prosecutors argue that the video contradicts this account of the collision.

David Lindenmuth, the attorney for Morales, stated that his client is “truly a good man” and did not commit a crime. Lindenmuth noted that Morales served in the Army and ran unsuccessfully for Congress this year. He also confirmed that Morales worked as an ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officer for just over a year.

Harris County Court records show that Morales faced a misdemeanor charge in 2013 for stealing four DVDs. Those charges were dismissed under a plea deal in which he paid a $270 fine. This is one of a small number of cases where federal officers have faced criminal charges during the current administration's immigration enforcement efforts.

Sean Teare, the Harris County District Attorney, confirmed that Parra Hernandez is recovering at a rehabilitation facility while in federal custody. The case remains active as the legal process moves forward in Harris County.