Texas grand jury indicts ICE agent accused of using SUV as weapon

A Texas grand jury has indicted ICE officer Mario Alberto Morales on a charge of second-degree aggravated assault, alleging he deliberately drove his SUV into a fleeing immigrant, Miguel Parra Hernandez, in early October. This is believed to be the first time an ICE agent has been indicted in Texas, marking a rare case of a federal immigration officer facing state charges. Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare announced the indictment, stating that Morales faces two to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Parra Hernandez, a Mexican national who had lived in Harris County for over 30 years and had no criminal record or pending immigration proceedings, was struck by Morales' SUV while fleeing on foot. According to Teare, Parra Hernandez had no prior involvement with immigration authorities. ICE claims Morales and other agents were searching for a different individual, but relatives of Parra Hernandez dispute this, stating he died nearly a decade ago.

The indictment has sparked controversy, with an ICE spokesperson calling it a "political stunt by Houston sanctuary politicians" and alleging that federal officers can only be investigated by other federal agencies. The ICE agent's union has also labeled the allegations as "reckless and false," asserting that ICE officers are held to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

Teare emphasized that anyone violating constitutional rights within Harris County, including ICE officers, will face repercussions. He noted that Morales was among the "surge hires" during President Trump's deportation agenda but expressed concerns about the agent's background and training. Teare stated he was prepared to litigate if Morales attempted to move the case to federal court, citing potential constitutional protections.