An officer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is facing charges related to an incident involving a Mexican construction worker in Houston. The officer, Mario Alberto Morales, has been accused of deliberately striking Miguel Parra Hernandez with his vehicle. Morales surrendered to the authorities on Monday according to his lawyer.
Morales appeared in court for the first time on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. This serious felony charge stems from his actions on October 10, when he reportedly chased and hit Hernandez with an unmarked SUV. A grand jury indicted the 33-year-old officer on Friday for his alleged actions.
During the court hearing, Judge Matthew Peneguy set Morales’ bond at $30,000. The prosecution had requested a higher bond amount of $75,000, as per the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
This case stands out as one of the few instances where a federal officer has been criminally charged for actions during President Donald Trump’s tenure. Such events have often led to further investigations.
“The alleged incident left Miguel Parra Hernandez with a broken leg,” stated Rodolfo Parra, the victim’s brother.
ICE has presented a version of events where Hernandez allegedly ran in front of Morales’ vehicle. However, prosecutors argue this contradicts video evidence. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Morales driving over a median to strike Parra Hernandez.
According to David Lindenmuth, Morales’ attorney, his client maintains his innocence. Morales is described as “truly a good man” who committed no crime.
Hernandez suffered a broken leg and is currently recovering in a rehabilitation facility while under federal custody, said Sean Teare from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
Morales had been serving as an ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officer for slightly over a year. He also has a background in the Army and made an unsuccessful bid for Congress. In 2013, court records show Morales faced misdemeanor charges for theft involving four DVDs, but these charges were dismissed after he paid a $270 fine as part of a plea deal.
Wilder and Brook are part of The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is an organization that places journalists in local newsrooms to cover under-reported issues.
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