A grand jury in Harris County, Texas, has indicted an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer accused of intentionally striking an individual with his vehicle during a pursuit in Houston earlier this month. The officer, Mario Alberto Morales, faces a charge of second-degree aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to the Harris County District Attorney's Office.

The incident occurred on October 10, 2026, when Morales was pursuing Miguel Parra Hernandez and another individual who were fleeing on foot. Authorities stated that Parra Hernandez suffered significant injuries, including multiple fractures to his right leg, as a result of being struck by Morales' vehicle.

Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare alleged that body-camera footage from Morales shows he "aggressively steered his vehicle into Parra Hernandez." During a press briefing on Friday, Teare played graphic video from the officer's body-worn camera, which appeared to show Morales pursuing the fleeing individuals. The officer can be heard saying, "Got a runner, got a runner. On foot. Both of them." Seconds later, the video shows the officer turning his steering wheel toward Parra Hernandez, striking him.

In a 911 call recording played at the press conference, Morales can be heard telling the dispatcher that he "tried to get around Parra Hernandez, and he hit my car." Teare stated, "As you can clearly see, Morales aggressively steered his vehicle into Parra Hernandez. Not only did he hit Mr. Hernandez, he ran over both of his legs, leaving him seriously injured and hospitalized to this day." Teare added that he has reviewed "hundreds of cases, some very similar to this. The evidence that we have in this case is as clear as any that I've ever prosecuted or investigated."

An ICE spokesperson called the indictment "nothing more than a political stunt by Houston Sanctuary politicians." The spokesperson further stated that allegations that ICE struck Miguel Parra-Hernandez intentionally are "RECKLESS and FALSE." The statement emphasized that ICE officers "uphold the rule of law and are held to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct."

Morales is seen in the body-camera footage approaching Parra Hernandez after the impact, with the injured man lying on the ground and in visible pain.

This case highlights the tense relationship and ongoing scrutiny faced by ICE officers during enforcement actions, particularly in jurisdictions designated as "sanctuary cities."

The indictment marks a significant step in the legal process, and the community will be watching closely as the case proceeds through the justice system.