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The case of Cuban Robyn Argote-Brooks, which once again put the migrant community in Texas on edge, took a new turn this Thursday in a federal court in San Antonio. A judge decided to postpone any resolution regarding his possible release and to keep him in federal custody while demanding more key information from the authorities regarding his immigration status and the circumstances of his arrest.
Argote-Brooks, 25 years old, appeared before federal judge Jason Pulliam, who was set to decide whether the young man could remain in his father's custody while the legal proceedings continue, as previously recommended by a magistrate.
However, Pulliam chose to delay the decision until reviewing documents that, according to him, are essential to determine whether ICE's actions were fully justified, reported the San Antonio Express-News.
A Cuban faces a federal charge for destruction of government property after allegedly ramming his car into two vehicles used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during an operation that took place on January 13 in a Walmart parking lot on Blanco Road. Authorities report that one of the agents was injured and that one of the cars sustained damage estimated at around $5,000.
According to the testimony presented in court, the agents approached Argote-Brooks after deeming him "suspicious." Upon checking the vehicle's license plate, an officer claimed to have found in a database that the young man's immigration parole had been canceled in April 2025. When they attempted to arrest him, the Cuban reportedly tried to flee, colliding with federal vehicles.
However, the defense argues that neither Argote-Brooks nor his father were aware of the alleged cancellation of the parole. His attorney, Marina Thais Douenat, explained before the judge that the young man spent three years in the Cuban military and that in 2024 he was summoned to fight in Ukraine, which led his family to begin the process of seeking asylum in the United States. "If he returns to Cuba, he would be declared a deserter," the defense attorney emphasized, highlighting the risk he faces.
Federal prosecutor Amy Marie Walker requested that the defendant remain in custody, arguing that there is a history of a hit-and-run accident involving the same vehicle driven by Argote-Brooks, although it is unclear who was driving at that time. For the prosecution, this fact, along with the attempted flight and the collision with the ICE vehicles, justifies keeping him in custody.
Pulliam made it clear that before making a decision, he wants to see the document that, according to an agent, confirmed the termination of the parole and to know when and how the Cuban was officially notified. For that reason, he declared a recess until that information is received.
If convicted, Argote-Brooks could face up to 10 years in federal prison and, subsequently, deportation. Meanwhile, his case is still underway.
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