Harris County DA alleges ICE officer intentionally ran over immigrant during stop
Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare says video evidence shows an ICE vehicle deliberately struck Miguel Parra Hernandez, and claims federal officials have not cooperated with the investigation.
Videos gathered by Harris County investigators appear to show an ICE vehicle deliberately hitting Miguel Parra Hernandez during an immigration stop, Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare said Tuesday. He described the act as "an intentional striking and running over of the person by the vehicle" that could constitute aggravated assault with a deadly weapon under Texas law.
Teare said his office and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office have collected multiple video recordings, including footage that exceeds what was released by a local NBC affiliate. He added that the vehicle involved was a Jeep Cherokee and may have contained a data crash recorder, but that ICE allegedly drove the vehicle away before the data could be retrieved, potentially erasing critical information.
Parra, 48, suffered multiple fractures and required surgery, according to his attorney and an immigrant-rights advocate. ICE officials responded that the allegations are "reckless and false" and characterized them as "disgusting smears" promoted by the media. An unnamed ICE spokesperson also said the agency is reviewing body-camera footage from officers present at the scene.
The district attorney’s office is seeking witnesses and any additional video or photographs, emphasizing that tips will be accepted without regard to citizenship status. Teare indicated that three individuals, including Parra, remain in ICE custody as material witnesses while the investigation continues.