A Houston ICE officer has been placed on administrative leave after an agency SUV struck and seriously injured a man during an immigration operation. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the personnel action as federal and local investigations continue.
The injured man, 48-year-old Miguel Parra Hernandez, suffered a broken leg and serious ankle injuries. His attorney said he requires additional surgery.
Houston ICE Officer Under Internal Investigation
The incident occurred around 7:20 a.m. on Oct. 10 near Clay Road and Highway 6 in northwest Harris County. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers were conducting a targeted enforcement operation.
A senior DHS official said the officer who drove the SUV is now on administrative leave. ICE is conducting an internal investigation, according to sources.
Multiple officers at the scene reportedly wore body cameras. ICE is reviewing the recordings, but officials have not decided whether they will release them publicly.
DHS also has not said whether it will provide the footage to Harris County prosecutors. The officer’s name has not been released.
Video Prompts Criminal Investigation
Business surveillance footage shows a black SUV crossing a median and entering a parking lot as Parra Hernandez runs away. Another vehicle blocks the camera’s view of the collision.
Moments later, Parra Hernandez appears on the ground. The officer called 911 and requested an ambulance after the collision.
Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare said the available evidence appears to show that the officer intentionally struck Parra Hernandez. His office is considering possible charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Teare also said the ICE officer left the area in the SUV before local investigators could examine it. He alleged that continued use of the vehicle may have damaged or erased crash data.
ICE denied that its officer deliberately hit Parra Hernandez. The agency called allegations of an intentional collision false and reckless.
No criminal charges had been announced as of Oct. 15.
ICE Disputes Account of Houston Collision
ICE said Parra Hernandez was traveling with the target of the enforcement operation. According to the agency, both men left their vehicle and ran after officers attempted to stop them.
The agency said Parra Hernandez moved in front of the ICE vehicle before it struck him. However, Teare said the surveillance video appears to contradict that account.
Relatives of Parra Hernandez also questioned ICE’s description of the operation. They said they did not recognize the person whom ICE identified as the original target.
Parra Hernandez is a Mexican construction worker who has lived in the United States for 34 years, according to immigrant advocacy organization FIEL Houston. The organization has been assisting his family.
Injured Man Remains in ICE Custody
Parra Hernandez underwent surgery for a broken leg following the collision. His attorney, Kim Bruno, said he also needs surgery for an injured ankle.
He remained in ICE custody while receiving hospital care, according to AP. His family and advocates have called for his release and expressed concerns about access to medical treatment.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office and district attorney’s office are investigating the encounter. Prosecutors are also seeking statements from two detained people who were reportedly inside the ICE vehicle.
The administrative leave does not determine whether the officer violated agency policy or committed a crime. Those questions remain part of separate federal and county reviews.
Houston-area residents following the case can watch for verified updates from investigators, court records and any release of body-camera footage.