A Texas man who was struck by a vehicle driven by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a pursuit in west Harris County is recovering from serious leg injuries and may require additional surgeries, according to his family’s representatives.
Miguel Parra-Hernandez, 48, underwent surgery after the incident Saturday morning near Highway 6 and Clay Road. His representatives say his right leg was broken in three places, while his ankle and the area near his hip were also injured. His left leg was injured as well, although it was not reported to be broken.
Cesar Espinosa, director of the immigrant advocacy organization FIEL Houston, said doctors expect Parra-Hernandez to need approximately six weeks before he can put weight on his injured leg. Further surgical procedures are being considered, but doctors are waiting for the swelling to subside.
The incident has raised questions about the circumstances of the collision, the conduct of the federal agents involved and the injured man’s continued custody while receiving hospital treatment.
Attorney Challenges ICE’s Account of the Incident
According to authorities, the collision occurred during an immigration enforcement operation targeting another man who allegedly had an outstanding immigration removal order. Investigators said a driver fled on foot during the pursuit, and Parra-Hernandez was struck by an ICE vehicle near a building.
ICE has maintained that officers were attempting to apprehend individuals who fled after their vehicle stopped. The agency said Parra-Hernandez ran in front of an ICE vehicle and was struck. Officials also stated that agents contacted emergency medical services and provided assistance after the collision, describing his injuries as non-life-threatening and his condition as stable at the time of their statement.
However, Parra-Hernandez’s attorney, Kim Bruno, disputes aspects of the account surrounding the pursuit. She said her client had never met the individual ICE was allegedly pursuing and was not the person authorities had originally intended to apprehend.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows a pickup truck stopping along Clay Road before two men leave the vehicle and run in different directions. Parra-Hernandez can be seen running through a shopping center parking lot before being struck by the ICE vehicle.
The identity and whereabouts of the second individual who fled have not been publicly established in the available reports.
Attorney Alleges Interference With Hospital Visit
Fresh concerns emerged Monday after Bruno said she was unable to complete a private meeting with her client at the hospital.
The attorney said she had spoken with Parra-Hernandez for approximately 10 to 15 minutes when ICE agents entered the room and began recording the conversation. She said she and others were subsequently asked to leave, with hospital security and police escorting them out.
Bruno challenged the explanation that her client was already properly processed as a detainee, saying she had not received the identification details she expected and was concerned about his access to confidential legal advice.
She said she was exploring legal options to challenge his continued detention and seek his release.
Parra-Hernandez remains in federal immigration custody at the hospital, according to his representatives. His family and advocates have expressed concern about his ability to recover while remaining under the supervision of the agency whose vehicle was involved in the collision.
Witnesses May Provide Additional Evidence
FIEL Houston says at least three eyewitnesses are prepared to provide accounts that could support the family’s version of events. Espinosa also alleged that the vehicle involved was unmarked and operating without emergency lights or a siren.
Those claims have not been independently established, and investigators will need to examine the available footage, witness statements and other evidence to determine precisely how the collision occurred.
The advocacy organization also said it was seeking protections for Parra-Hernandez and potential witnesses amid concerns that some individuals could face pressure to sign voluntary departure documents.
The allegations add another layer to an already contentious case, with the family questioning whether the injured man was connected to the original enforcement target and whether the federal operation was conducted appropriately.
Independent Investigation Underway
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the collision, while the Harris County District Attorney’s Office announced Monday that it had opened a separate investigation.
Prosecutors said the case is being examined as a potential aggravated assault involving a deadly weapon. That classification indicates the seriousness of the allegations under review; it does not establish that a crime occurred or that the ICE agent involved is guilty of wrongdoing.
Authorities have not announced criminal charges against the agent, and investigators must establish the facts before determining whether prosecution is warranted.
The central questions include the circumstances leading to the pursuit, the vehicle’s movements before impact, whether emergency signals were used and whether the force involved was legally justified.
FIEL Houston has announced plans to provide further information about potential witnesses at a news conference scheduled for Wednesday, October 14.
Family Seeks Answers as Recovery Continues
For Parra-Hernandez’s relatives, the immediate concern remains his medical recovery and the circumstances surrounding his injuries. The prospect of additional operations and an extended period without putting weight on his right leg could make the coming weeks particularly difficult.
At the same time, his attorney is pursuing options to secure his release and ensure he can communicate privately with his legal team.
The investigation is expected to play a critical role in determining whether the collision resulted from an accident during the pursuit or involved conduct that could justify criminal charges. Until investigators complete their review, key details remain disputed.
For now, Parra-Hernandez faces a lengthy recovery while his family continues to demand answers, accountability and a transparent examination of the incident.
