ICE officer indicted for allegedly running over undocumented immigrant

A grand jury has indicted Mario Alberto Morales, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer, on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Morales appeared in court on Monday, November 2, 2026, and was released on a $30,000 non-arrest bond, according to his attorney, David Lindenmuth.

The Incident

According to Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare, the incident occurred on October 10 near Houston. Teare stated that Morales was driving an ICE vehicle, a Jeep Grand Cherokee, when he began to pursue a vehicle driven by Miguel Parra Hernandez. Teare said that Parra Hernandez and another occupant began to flee on foot after the pursuit, at which point Morales allegedly struck Parra Hernandez with the vehicle.

ICE stated that the agency "immediately contacted EMS and provided aid" to Parra Hernandez. An ICE spokesperson claimed that Parra Hernandez "ran in front of an ICE vehicle," though Teare stated this contradicts the findings of his investigation. An ICE spokesperson also called allegations that Morales struck Parra Hernandez intentionally "RECKLESS and FALSE."

Legal Arguments

Prosecutors allege that Morales "intentionally, knowingly, and recklessly" caused serious bodily injury to Parra Hernandez by striking him with a motor vehicle. Teare stated that evidence, including surveillance and body camera footage, shows Morales making a "hard left turn" to steer the vehicle toward the man.

Defense attorneys have disputed these claims:

• David Lindenmuth stated the incident was an "accident" and characterized the prosecution as "political prosecution" and "character assassination."
• Michael Wynne, another representative for Morales, questioned the timing of the indictment and stated that grand jurors were presented with only one side of the story.

Victim Impact and Background

Miguel Parra Hernandez, 48, is a Mexican national who has lived in Harris County for more than 30 years. According to his attorney, Kim Bruno, Parra Hernandez suffered fractures, nerve damage, and requires surgery, resulting in mobility limitations and chronic pain.

Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare noted that Parra Hernandez had no criminal record and no deportation order at the time of the incident. Teare also stated that the individual ICE believed was the target of the operation, Jose Mendoza-Cervantes, has been "apparently dead for nine years."

Morales, who was a "surge hire" by ICE in August 2025, is a former corrections officer, pastor, and military veteran. His next court hearing is scheduled for December 2.

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Sources

• cnn.com: ICE officer indicted on allegations he ran over undocumented Mexican immigrant released on bond | CNN
• abc13.com: ICE agent indicted for running over man turns himself in, posts bond, DA's office says - ABC13 Houston

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.