A grand jury has indicted Mario Alberto Morales, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, for allegedly running over a Mexican immigrant with a vehicle in Houston. Morales, 33, faces a felony charge of aggravated assault involving a deadly weapon following an incident on October 10.

What happened during the pursuit?

The indictment follows an encounter in which Morales allegedly used an unmarked Jeep Grand Cherokee to strike 48-year-old Miguel Parra Hernandez. Prosecutors state that surveillance and body camera footage show Morales driving over a median to strike Parra Hernandez as he fled on foot. The victim suffered multiple leg fractures and is currently recovering in a rehabilitation facility while in federal custody.

Read also Houston grand jury charges ICE agent over vehicle strike

Morales' attorney, David Lindenmuth, argues the collision was unintentional. He claimed the officer swerved to avoid another vehicle and described his client as "truly a good man" who was simply performing his duties. An ICE spokesperson also dismissed claims that the strike was intentional as "reckless" and "false."

Is this part of a larger hiring issue?

The incident has drawn intense scrutiny toward the current administration's efforts to rapidly expand immigration enforcement ranks. Morales joined ICE in August 2025, having served just over a year on the job. His background has since become a point of contention:

  • He previously served in the Army.
  • He was charged with a misdemeanor for theft in 2013, which was dismissed via a plea deal.
  • The Texas Department of Criminal Justice stated he left their agency in 2018 after falsifying records.

Some officials have expressed concern that the hiring surge has led to recruits who do not meet standard requirements. While the Department of Homeland Security maintains most new recruits are former law enforcement, the agency recently announced plans to retrain thousands of officers who received expedited training.

FAQ

What is the potential penalty for Morales?

If convicted of this second-degree felony, Morales faces a prison sentence ranging from two to 20 years.

When is the next court date?

Morales was released on a $30,000 bond, and his next scheduled hearing is set for December 2.