The Harris County District Attorney's office said Friday that Mario Alberto Morales, an officer with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has been charged with aggravated assault. Prosecutors say Morales was driving an unmarked vehicle on Oct. 10 when it struck Miguel Parra Hernandez, 48, a Mexican construction worker who was running away. Parra Hernandez was later taken into custody with a broken leg.
District Attorney Sean Teare, a Democrat, said video contradicts ICE's account of the incident. ICE said Parra Hernandez stepped in front of the car, and it called the accusation that the officer struck him intentionally false and reckless. ICE also called the indictment a political stunt and said local officials do not have authority to investigate federal officers acting in the course of their duties.
Teare said Morales is not in custody and a warrant will be issued for his arrest. He said prosecutors have been in contact with the officer's attorney. Teare's office is also investigating the July fatal shooting of a Mexican homebuilder in Houston.