ICE officer indicted over immigrant hit-and-run
The gist
A Harris County grand jury indicted ICE officer Mario Alberto Morales over striking a fleeing immigrant with his vehicle.
The case tests whether local prosecutors can charge federal officers acting on duty.
How it unfolded
- Oct 10, 2026Morales, driving an ICE vehicle, pursued a vehicle near Houston and allegedly struck Parra Hernandez, who was fleeing on foot, causing multiple leg fractures, a fractured ankle and hip injuries. Morales then called 911 to report that Parra Hernandez had hit his car.
- Oct 12, 2026Rodolfo Parra, brother of Miguel Parra Hernandez, spoke to the media near the scene on Clay Road near Texas 6 in Houston.
- Oct 30, 2026A Harris County grand jury indicted Morales, 33, on second-degree felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, announced by District Attorney Sean Teare and Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. Teare said the indictment came 20 days after the incident and Morales had not yet been taken into custody.