An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent has been placed on administrative leave following an incident in which a vehicle struck and injured a man during a Houston enforcement operation. A senior Department of Homeland Security official confirmed the move as internal investigations into the collision continue.

Details of the collision

The incident occurred last Saturday in northwest Harris County near Clay Road and Highway 6. According to reports, agents were pursuing a truck containing two men when the vehicle stopped and the occupants fled on foot.

Miguel Parra Hernández, a 48-year-old Mexican immigrant, was struck by an ICE vehicle during the pursuit. He was hospitalized for severe injuries and required surgery for a broken leg.

Is an ICE agent involved in the collision facing charges?

Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare is investigating the possibility of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charges. Teare stated that, based on his perspective and that of investigators, the individual "was intentionally struck and run over."

ICE has denied these allegations, stating that Parra Hernández ran in front of the vehicle. The agency is currently reviewing footage from several body cameras worn by officers at the scene. No decision has been made regarding whether this video will be released to the public or the district attorney's office.

Witness testimony and investigations

The district attorney's office has interviewed a key witness, José Presa Cañada, who was handcuffed in the back of the ICE vehicle during the collision. Teare indicated that the office may present the case to a grand jury as soon as next week.

Discrepancies have also emerged regarding the operation's target:

  • ICE identified the target as Jose Mendoza-Cervantes.
  • Parra Hernández's attorney claims her client does not know the suspect.
  • Some reports suggest the man pictured in the ICE bulletin may have died in 2017.

FAQ

What is the current status of the officer?

The officer has been placed on administrative leave while ICE conducts an internal investigation.

What injuries did the victim sustain?

Miguel Parra Hernández suffered severe injuries and underwent surgery for a broken leg.