A Harris County grand jury indicted Mario Alberto Morales, a federal immigration officer, on Friday following an investigation by the Harris County Sheriff's Office. He faces a second-degree felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to District Attorney Sean Teare, who announced the charge at a news conference.
Prosecutors allege Morales intentionally steered his Jeep Grand Cherokee into Miguel Parra-Hernandez after pursuing a pickup truck near Clay Road and Highway 6. The October 10 collision happened during an immigration enforcement operation in northwest Harris County. Parra-Hernandez suffered serious leg injuries, underwent surgery and remains in ICE custody. Morales's defense attorney says the collision was an accident.
FIEL and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) say the indictment is a start and are calling for accountability. FIEL Executive Director Cesar Espinosa spoke to reporters Friday alongside Parra-Hernandez's attorney and family members.