A San Antonio Cuban migrant accused of ramming two ICE vehicles in a viral Walmart confrontation will face his first federal court hearing Tuesday.
SAN ANTONIO — A San Antonio migrant seen in a viral video involving ICE agents will make his first appearance in federal court Tuesday morning.
The video, recorded about a week ago, shows a man ramming two ICE vehicles during a confrontation in the parking lot of the Walmart near Blanco Road and Wurzbach Parkway.
Federal prosecutors have charged Robyn Argote Brooks with destruction of federal property. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison.
The Department of Homeland Security says Brooks, a Cuban migrant, was driving the vehicle and used it as a weapon during the encounter. DHS also claims an ICE officer was injured when Brooks struck the second vehicle.
Legal experts say the case could become complicated, as constitutional rights and the conduct of ICE agents may come under scrutiny.
The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, or MALDEF, says ICE often claims to target specific individuals, but confronting someone in a crowded public place raises safety concerns for bystanders.
“I do think that this kind of very public enforcement action is probably a result of them not wanting to go to people’s homes and not wanting to get a judicial warrant,” said Hector Villagra, MALDEF’s vice president for policy advocacy and community education. “That means they don’t actually have a high degree of evidence that would satisfy a judge to give them the authority to make that arrest in the home.”
The American Civil Liberties Union is also urging the public to know their rights, but stresses that people should not resist arrest, warning that doing so can escalate situations and lead to more serious charges.
Brooks is scheduled to appear in federal court for his preliminary hearing at 10:30 a.m.
KENS 5 will continue to follow the case and bring you updates as they become available.