ICE Officer Faces Charges for Alleged Assault

An officer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), accused of deliberately hitting a Mexican construction worker with his vehicle, surrendered to authorities in Houston, according to his attorney.

Mario Alberto Morales made his initial appearance in court on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The incident involved his unmarked SUV hitting Miguel Parra Hernandez on October 10, as Morales pursued the 48-year-old in a parking lot.

A grand jury indicted Morales, 33, last Friday. During Monday’s hearing, Judge Matthew Peneguy set a bond at $30,000, despite the prosecutors’ request for $75,000.

Morales is among a few federal officers facing criminal charges related to their job actions during President Trump’s immigration policies. Similar incidents are under scrutiny.

Rodolfo Parra reported that his brother, Miguel Parra Hernandez, suffered a broken leg from the alleged ICE action.

ICE’s account suggests Parra Hernandez ran in front of Morales’ vehicle. This version is reportedly contradicted by video evidence. The footage from surveillance cameras shows Morales’ SUV crossing a median and striking Parra Hernandez as he moved away.

David Lindenmuth, Morales’ defense attorney, stated his client is “a good man” and denies any criminal activity.

Parra Hernandez is recuperating in a rehabilitation center while under federal custody, according to Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare.

Morales served as an ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officer for just over a year. He attempted a congressional run this year and has a history of military service in the Army.

In 2013, Morales faced misdemeanor charges for stealing DVDs, but these were dropped following a plea deal where he paid a $270 fine.

Wilder and Brook are contributors for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America assigns journalists to local news outlets to cover less reported topics.