Miguel Parra-Hernandez, 48, was seriously injured on Saturday in Houston, Texas, when he was struck by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vehicle. His representatives state that he has no connection to the person federal agents were allegedly chasing.
Mr Parra-Hernandez suffered a shattered ankle and hip after being run over by an SUV driven by an officer pursuing two men who fled from a pickup truck. ICE stated it was pursuing Jose Mendoza-Cervantes, and that Mr Parra-Hernandez was not its target but ran in front of the vehicle and was struck. However, video footage aired by ABC News affiliate KTRK reportedly shows a dark-colored, unmarked SUV following Mr Parra-Hernandez and veering towards him as he ran across a shopping centre parking lot.
Mr Parra-Hernandez's attorney, Kim Bruno, and Cesar Espinosa, executive director of FIEL Houston, told reporters on Monday that Mr Parra-Hernandez remains in ICE custody. He faces more surgery and a recovery period of many weeks, with doctors stating he cannot put weight on his leg for at least six weeks.
Ms Bruno said Mr Parra-Hernandez told her he fled because he did not know who was in the dark-colored vehicle, which was reportedly not using a siren or flashing lights. Mr Parra-Hernandez, who has lived in the US for 34 years and has no criminal record, and the other person in his car, whom he had picked up for work, reportedly did not know Mendoza-Cervantes.
Earlier in October, ICE adopted new rules for traffic stops, including ensuring vehicles are equipped with lights and sirens, although their use was not mandated. The guidelines also state that ICE officers are no longer permitted to chase vehicles that refuse to stop.
The Harris County District Attorney's office announced on Monday that it is investigating the case.