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ICE agent who crashed into man in Texas was targeting suspect who died years ago, family says
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- A Houston construction worker, Miguel Parra Hernandez, was struck by a federal officer's vehicle and suffered multiple leg fractures after the officer mistakenly believed him to be a man who died years ago, according to the deceased man's family and immigration advocates.
- ICE initially claimed the targeted suspect, Jose Mendoza-Cervantes, was in the vehicle with Parra Hernandez, but Harris County officials confirmed Mendoza-Cervantes was not present, and the photo ICE released was actually of a deceased man, Jose Hector Jimenez.
- Surveillance footage contradicts ICE's account, showing a black SUV speeding toward Parra Hernandez as he fled, and criminal charges against the ICE officer involved are under consideration by the Harris County district attorney.
- Advocates and lawmakers criticized ICE for its handling of the incident, questioning the agency's verification processes during operations and highlighting broader concerns over aggressive immigration enforcement under the current administration.
- Parra Hernandez remains hospitalized and is reportedly suffering from depression in federal custody, with advocates seeking his release and that of a witness detained during the incident.
