Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is calling for the immediate release of Miguel Parra Hernandez, who was struck by an ICE agent's vehicle on Oct. 10. She also raised concerns about his access to legal counsel, family visits and medical care. Hidalgo made the requests Thursday morning with attorney Kim Bruno, FIEL Executive Director Cesar Espinosa and representatives from the offices of U.S. Reps. Sylvia Garcia and Lizzie Fletcher. Parra Hernandez reportedly remains in a rehabilitation facility after breaking his leg.
The sheriff's office said ICE agents were reportedly pursuing a white truck with two men inside. The truck drove the wrong way down Clay Road near Highway 6 before stopping, and the two men ran. One escaped, and Parra Hernandez was struck by an ICE vehicle. ICE officer Mario Alberto Morales has been indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Under Texas law, the charge is a second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison.
Morales's attorney, David Lindenmuth, said his client was closing the distance on someone fleeing agents and had to swerve to avoid a vehicle in front of him. Lindenmuth said, "That is an accident. It is not a crime." In an earlier statement, ICE called the matter "nothing more than a political stunt by Houston sanctuary politicians."