Federal judge allows release of Cuban national accused of ramming ICE vehicles at San Antonio Walmart

Release ordered despite prosecutors’ detention request

A U.S. magistrate judge on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, ordered that a 25-year-old Cuban citizen accused of ramming two U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vehicles in San Antonio be released from custody while his federal case proceeds. Prosecutors had sought to keep him detained pending trial.

The defendant, Robyn Argote-Brooks, is charged federally with destruction of government property. The charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted.

What court records say happened

The alleged incident occurred on Jan. 13, 2026, in the parking lot of a Walmart at 12639 Blanco Road on San Antonio’s North Side. In court filings, federal authorities say officers approached a vehicle connected to Argote-Brooks during immigration enforcement operations and attempted to take him into custody after determining he no longer had legal authorization to remain in the United States.

According to the criminal complaint, officers decided to contact Argote-Brooks after a license plate check returned registration information that did not list identifiers typically associated with an individual, including a Social Security number, driver’s license information or date of birth. The complaint alleges that when officers attempted to apprehend him, Argote-Brooks refused to exit the vehicle, rolled up his window, and then reversed and struck an ICE vehicle, prompting officers on foot to move out of the way. The complaint further alleges he hit a second ICE vehicle during the encounter.

• Federal authorities allege the collisions caused nearly $5,000 in damage to one of the ICE vehicles.
• Prosecutors stated in court that an ICE officer suffered neck and back injuries described as a sprain.
• Federal officials have not publicly identified the injured officer or provided additional medical details.

Immigration status at issue in the case

Federal filings state Argote-Brooks was admitted at the Laredo port of entry on Oct. 11, 2024, and was paroled into the United States while awaiting immigration proceedings. The filings say his parole was terminated on April 18, 2025.

At the Jan. 20 hearing, Argote-Brooks’ father, a San Antonio resident and lawful U.S. resident, testified that his son had been complying with requirements tied to his immigration parole, including attending hearings and pursuing documentation, and said his son had not been informed that the parole had been terminated.

Local and statewide reaction

The case has drawn public attention amid heightened focus on federal immigration enforcement activity in San Antonio. A special San Antonio City Council session is scheduled for Jan. 22, 2026, to discuss the increased presence of federal immigration authorities and local cooperation with enforcement operations.

The federal case will proceed while Argote-Brooks awaits trial under the release conditions ordered by the court.