ICE Agent Charged After Allegedly Intentionally Ramming Man with Car

An officer with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been charged with aggravated assault after allegedly striking a man in Houston with an SUV.

According to the Harris County District Attorney’s office, Mario Alberto Morales, 33,was driving an unmarked SUV on Oct. 10 when he hit Miguel Parra Hernandez, a 48-year-old construction worker, during a pursuit. The suspect reportedly suffered a broken leg and hip injuries from the altercation.

The case was brought by District Attorney Sean Teare, who is also investigating the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who lived in the United States for decades, by an ICE officer. The suspect reportedly required surgery on his leg.

According to the district attorney, Hernandez is a Mexican national who has lived in the country for decades. He does not have legal status, but has no criminal record beyond that and he had no pending immigration proceedings.

The Department of Homeland Security is standing behind their officer, with a spokesperson saying allegations that Morales struck Hernandez “intentionally” are “reckless” and “false.”

The federal spokesperson called the case a “political stunt” from “sanctuary politicians” and claimed Hernandez stepped in front of the car, leading to his injuries. They also claimed the district attorney has no authority to investigate and charge federal officers.

Morales has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. A grand jury came back with an indictment for the officer on Friday.

“The evidence that we have in this case is as clear as any that I’ve ever prosecuted or investigated,” Teare said in a news conference.

Body camera footage of the incident was released showing Hernandez getting struck by the vehicle.

As Hernandez is on the ground in pain, he tells the officer, “You ran over me,” as the officer asks where another suspect is.

After another ICE officer shows up at the scene, Morales said, “He got hit with a car, bro.”

Morales then explained to the fellow agent, “I was coming in, and I hit him with the car,” according to the footage.

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