ICE Officer Allegedly Intentionally Struck Man with Vehicle in Houston, Investigation Underway

HOUSTON (AP) — A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer allegedly drove a vehicle into a man in Houston, resulting in a broken leg, according to a Texas prosecutor. Miguel Parra Hernandez, 48, underwent surgery for his injury after being struck by a car on Saturday, as reported by Cesar Espinosa, executive director of FIEL Houston, an immigrant rights organization assisting the man's family. Parra Hernandez remains in ICE custody at a hospital and requires additional ankle surgery, his lawyer, Kim Bruno, stated during a news conference on Wednesday. The incident has raised concerns regarding immigration enforcement in Houston, particularly following a July shooting involving a federal immigration officer. Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare expressed concern over surveillance footage showing Parra Hernandez and another individual fleeing from a white truck while being pursued by a dark SUV. The footage reportedly shows Parra Hernandez on the ground shortly after the vehicle approaches him. Teare indicated that aggravated assault with a deadly weapon could be a potential charge, stating, "The car was used as a deadly weapon." ICE, however, refuted the allegations, claiming that Parra Hernandez ran in front of an ICE vehicle and was struck while fleeing. Espinosa contested this assertion, citing surveillance video that shows the SUV close to Parra Hernandez before he falls to the ground. Additionally, relatives of others arrested during the operation disputed the identity of the individual ICE claimed was the target of the operation. Espinosa noted that Parra Hernandez has lived in the U.S. for 34 years and is currently living without authorization. He mentioned that two ICE officers were present during his hospital visit. Teare indicated that ICE and the Department of Homeland Security have not cooperated with his office's investigation, referencing a previous incident in July where DHS did not respond to his request for information regarding a fatal shooting involving an ICE officer.