The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehended Cuban immigrant Robyn Argote Brooks on Tuesday after he allegedly rammed into ICE vehicles and federal agents with his car in San Antonio, Texas, according to officials.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disclosed that Argote "employed his vehicle as a weapon" against federal law enforcement officers, crashing into two ICE vehicles with his car on January 13.
ICE agents had conducted a "targeted" traffic stop to detain Argote, but he reportedly refused to comply with orders to exit his vehicle.
In an attempt to avoid arrest, the undocumented immigrant reversed his car at high speed, narrowly missing an ICE agent, the DHS stated. Argote managed to evade the agent, but collided with a vehicle behind him, then accelerated and hit a second ICE vehicle, injuring the officer inside, officials reported. He was subsequently detained by the agents.
A video shared on social media by Fox News journalist Brooke Taylor captures the ICE operation to stop the Cuban. Following the collision with federal vehicles, officers broke Argote's car window, forcibly removed him while another officer held a firearm, and pinned him to the ground. He was held down by two agents with their knees on his back while he lay face down.
Argote did not resist, and while on the ground, he was heard saying, "Oh my God." He was then lifted, and an officer spoke with him while another, speaking in Spanish, asked if he needed medical assistance before taking him away. No ICE agents appeared injured in the footage, which seems to have been captured by television cameras.
Rising Tensions and Political Blame
In light of the incident, Deputy Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated: "One of our officers was injured in this vehicle attack, and we pray for him, his health, and his family." She also blamed "sanctuary" politicians for "encouraging undocumented immigrants to evade arrest," claiming they have "created an environment that incites violence against our law enforcement."
The official reported a staggering 3,200% increase in vehicle attacks on ICE agents, along with a rise of over 1,300% in assaults.
According to DHS data, ICE agents experienced 66 vehicle attacks from January 21, 2025, to January 7 this year, compared to just two in the same period of the previous year.
McLaughlin referred to recent remarks by Secretary Kristi Noem, who warned that "anyone who attacks law enforcement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
Background of the Incident
Robyn Argote Brooks entered the U.S. in 2024 under the CBP One program, initiated by President Joe Biden's administration in January 2023, allowing migrants to schedule asylum appointments online.
The DHS criticized the program as "disastrous," stating it facilitated the entry of over a million foreigners without criminal records according to their statistics.
The Cuban's arrest occurs amid heightened tensions, following a January 7 incident in Minneapolis where an ICE agent shot and killed a U.S. citizen, Renee Nicole Good, 37, allegedly acting in self-defense as she reportedly attempted to run him over with her vehicle.
The tragic event sparked outrage and demonstrations across the city. In response, authorities increased the deployment of agents and intensified immigration operations, exacerbating public discontent, leading to violent arrests, mass protests, and clashes with law enforcement.
President Donald Trump threatened on Thursday to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807 and deploy federal troops in Minneapolis to control the unrest following recent ICE-involved shootings.
Frequently Asked Questions About ICE Operations and Incidents
What prompted ICE to arrest Robyn Argote Brooks?
ICE arrested Robyn Argote Brooks after he allegedly used his vehicle to ram into ICE vehicles and agents during a traffic stop in San Antonio, Texas.
How did the Department of Homeland Security respond to the incident?
The DHS highlighted an increase in attacks on ICE agents and criticized "sanctuary" politicians for creating environments that incite violence against law enforcement.
What is the CBP One program?
The CBP One program, introduced by President Biden's administration, allows migrants to schedule asylum appointments online. It has been criticized for facilitating the entry of a large number of foreigners.