Miguel Parra has undergone surgery after being struck by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vehicle in west Harris County, and his family’s attorney says he faces additional procedures to reconstruct his injured leg.
During a news conference Monday, FIEL Houston Director Cesar Espinosa said Parra’s right leg is broken in three places, his ankle is fractured and he also has an injury near his hip. Parra’s doctors expect him to need about six weeks before he can put weight on the injured leg, Espinosa said.
Additional surgeries are planned but cannot be performed yet because of swelling, according to Espinosa. He said both of Parra’s legs were injured, but only his right leg is broken.
Attorney says ICE interrupted hospital visit
Attorney Kim Bruno, who represents Parra and his family, said she and others visited him at the hospital Monday morning but were removed after speaking with him for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Bruno said ICE agents interrupted the conversation and had hospital security escort them out. She disputed the agency’s explanation that Parra was detained and said ICE had not provided an identification number or completed his processing.
Bruno said she is exploring legal options to challenge his continued custody and seek his release.
Parra remains in ICE custody at the hospital, according to FIEL Houston.
Advocates say witnesses dispute account of incident
Espinosa said at least three firsthand witnesses are prepared to provide accounts that, he claims, support the family’s position that Parra was not the target of the immigration operation.
He also said witnesses could help establish that the vehicle that struck Parra was unmarked and had no lights or sirens. FIEL Houston plans to share additional witness information in the coming days.
Espinosa said the organization is seeking protections for Parra and potential witnesses, alleging they have been pressured to sign voluntary departure documents.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an independent investigation, Espinosa said. He added that it is too early to know whether the ICE agent involved could face criminal charges.
The incident happened Saturday morning on Highway 6 near Clay Road. The sheriff’s office previously said ICE agents were pursuing a driver with an active warrant. Investigators said the driver fled on foot, while a 48-year-old passenger was struck by an ICE agent near a building.
FIEL Houston announced another news conference for Wednesday at 11 a.m. at its office, where the organization expects to share more information about additional witnesses.
