An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer indicted by a grand jury in Houston is expected to surrender to authorities on Monday morning. Mario Alberto Morales faces a charge of second-degree aggravated assault with a deadly weapon following an incident earlier this month involving a fleeing pedestrian, according to the Harris County District Attorney's Office.
ICE Officer Indicted After Houston Incident
The case stems from an Oct. 10 event where Morales pursued two individuals attempting to flee on foot. Sean Teare, the Harris County District Attorney, held a press briefing on Friday where he played surveillance footage alongside graphic body-worn camera video from the officer. According to the district attorney, the footage demonstrates that Mario Alberto Morales "aggressively steered his vehicle" into the pedestrian, Miguel Parra Hernandez.
Body-camera audio captures the officer stating, "Got a runner, got a runner. On foot. Both of them." Moments later, the video shows the vehicle turning to the left and striking Miguel Parra Hernandez, who subsequently lay on the ground while the officer approached him.
Defense Claims Accident Amid Political Motivations
Attorney David Lindenmuth, representing Mario Alberto Morales, maintained that the collision was entirely unintentional. Lindenmuth stated that his client was trying to avoid hitting another vehicle while having two detainees in the back seat.
"It was an accident. It was nothing more than accident, but the DA to score political points right before elections decided to bring charges," David Lindenmuth said. He added, “Clearly there is contact but the contact wasn’t intentional. It wasn’t knowingly. It was in reaction to him trying not to strike a vehicle.”
Lindenmuth described his client as a former corrections officer, former Army paratrooper, and a Christian pastor who performs missionary work overseas. He also noted that Morales previously worked at the Port Isabel Detention Center as a detention and processing officer and served as a Department of Homeland Security contractor before joining ICE as a federal immigration officer in August 2025.
Injuries and Demands for Accountability
Kim Bruno, the attorney representing Miguel Parra Hernandez, stated that her client sustained fractures, suffered nerve damage, and required surgery after being struck by the vehicle.
“All he wants is accountability,” Kim Bruno said. “He wants assurance that this will not happen to anybody else. He is so sympathetic, and all he cares about are the other people. But he is the one in the bed suffering.”
Miguel Parra Hernandez is currently detained in federal custody at a rehabilitation facility.
- Mario Alberto Morales: The ICE officer indicted on a second-degree aggravated assault charge.
- Miguel Parra Hernandez: The pedestrian struck during the Oct. 10 incident in Houston.
- Sean Teare: The Harris County District Attorney prosecuting the case.
- David Lindenmuth: The defense attorney representing the accused officer.
- Kim Bruno: The attorney representing the injured individual.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges does the ICE officer face?
Mario Alberto Morales was indicted by a grand jury in Houston on a charge of second-degree aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
When did the incident happen?
The event occurred on Oct. 10 when the officer pursued two individuals attempting to flee on foot.
What injuries did the victim sustain?
According to attorney Kim bruised, her client suffered fractures and nerve damage, and underwent surgery following the collision.