Lead: Attorneys for Marimar Martinez say newly released documents show Department of Homeland Security officials mischaracterized an October shooting in Chicago that left Martinez, a U.S. citizen and teaching assistant, wounded five times. The incident occurred during a citywide immigration enforcement operation and initially led to felony charges against Martinez that were later dropped after video evidence. Lawyers contend the documents reveal praise for the agent who fired and internal messaging that conflicts with public statements. The release has prompted renewed scrutiny of federal use-of-force practices and agency transparency.
Key Takeaways
- Marimar Martinez was shot five times in October while in her vehicle; she is a U.S. citizen and a teaching assistant.
- Prosecutors dismissed criminal charges after video emerged showing a federal agent steering his vehicle into Martinez’s car.
- Documents released by attorneys include an email from Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino praising agent Charles Exum and internal texts celebrating the shooting.
- One agent’s message reads, “I fired 5 rounds and she had 7 holes. Put that in your book boys,” according to released records.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection said use-of-force incidents are “thoroughly investigated”; Exum was placed on administrative leave.
- Martinez’s lawyers allege DHS officials labeled her a “domestic terrorist” and accused her of “doxxing federal agents” without presenting evidence.
- Attorneys plan a Federal Tort Claims Act complaint; if denied or ignored for six months, a federal lawsuit can follow.
Background
The shooting occurred in October during a broad Chicago-area immigration crackdown that authorities say targeted undocumented individuals and led to arrests and tense encounters across the city of about 2.7 million residents. The enforcement push included multiple high-profile stops and a separate fatal shooting of a suburban Chicago man weeks earlier, heightening community alarm. Federal agents conducting the operation faced protests and criticism from immigrant-rights groups and some local officials who argued the sweeps were heavy-handed.
Martinez, who has no criminal record, says she was driving in her vehicle when Border Patrol agents engaged and that she honked to warn others about the agents’ presence. She was shot, hospitalized and later taken into FBI custody; the FBI retained her car. Initial statements and internal communications from DHS and Border Patrol framed the encounter as agents being endangered by Martinez’s vehicle, prompting felony charges that were subsequently dropped when video contradicted the account.
Main Event
Body-worn camera footage and other videos released in court filings show agents exiting vehicles with weapons drawn and moving aggressively toward Martinez’s car. Attorneys for Martinez say an agent steered his vehicle into hers and that the prosecution’s case collapsed after the footage contradicted claims that she attempted to strike agents. The U.S. Attorney’s Office released many of the emails, texts and videos the night before attorneys made a broader document filing public.
The records include an Oct. 4 email from Gregory Bovino, who led enforcement operations nationwide, writing to agent Charles Exum: “In light of your excellent service in Chicago, you have much yet left to do!!” Other internal messages praised Exum and offered celebratory language; prosecutors argued the documents could harm Exum’s reputation, but U.S. District Judge Georgia Alexakis lifted a protective order, noting concerns about unequal protection of reputations.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a statement saying use-of-force incidents are thoroughly investigated and confirmed Exum was placed on administrative leave. Martinez’s attorneys showed a photo of a handgun in a pink holster at the bottom of her purse and said she had a valid concealed-carry license; prosecutors have not produced evidence supporting claims that she was armed in a threatening way during the encounter.
Analysis & Implications
The documents intensify long-running debates over federal immigration enforcement tactics and transparency. Lawyers and advocates say internal praise for an agent who shot a civilian undermines public trust when agency narratives conflict with video evidence. The apparent disconnect between initial official accounts and the evidence raises questions about internal review processes and how use-of-force incidents are characterized to the public and to prosecutors.
Legally, Martinez’s attorneys are pursuing remedies under the Federal Tort Claims Act; if DHS declines or fails to act within six months, they can file a federal suit. The release of internal texts and emails could influence civil litigation and congressional oversight, supplying lawmakers and plaintiffs with documentary support to argue systemic failures in accountability. For the agency, the immediate costs include reputational damage, potential litigation payouts, and heightened congressional scrutiny of border enforcement practices.
Politically, the case arrives amid fierce national debate over immigration enforcement and policing. Martinez’s scheduled attendance at President Donald Trump’s State of the Union as a guest of Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia underscores how such incidents are being used by lawmakers to spotlight alleged abuses. Internationally, the handling of high-profile shootings informs perceptions of U.S. adherence to due process and civil-rights protections, affecting advocacy groups and foreign observers monitoring human-rights standards.
| Case | Location | Month | Shots Fired | Immediate Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marimar Martinez | Chicago area | October | 5 rounds fired; reports of 7 holes | Charges dismissed after video; agent on administrative leave |
| Renee Good | Minneapolis area | Earlier this year | Fatal shooting | Fatality; public outcry and investigation |
The table highlights similarities in public reaction and the central role of video evidence. While the Martinez case resulted in dropped charges and nonfatal injuries, the earlier Minneapolis-area fatality intensified calls for stricter oversight. These incidents together have fueled legislative inquiry and calls for clearer use-of-force standards for federal immigration officers.
Reactions & Quotes
Martinez’s legal team framed the release as evidence the government obscured critical facts. At a news conference, attorney Christopher Parente said the documents undermine confidence in federal statements and accountability processes.
“This is a time where we just cannot trust the words of our federal officials.”
Christopher Parente, attorney for Marimar Martinez
U.S. Customs and Border Protection sought to emphasize that incidents are reviewed, and that personnel actions followed internal procedures. The agency reiterated its position while acknowledging the case is under review.
“Use-of-force incidents are thoroughly investigated.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (agency statement)
Internal messages released by attorneys show colleagues congratulating the agent who fired, and at least one message described the shots taken in blunt terms. Those lines have been cited by Martinez’s lawyers as evidence of a celebratory culture among some agents involved in the operation.
“I fired 5 rounds and she had 7 holes. Put that in your book boys.”
Agent text message, released in court records
Unconfirmed
- Allegations that Martinez had a documented history of “doxxing federal agents” have not been supported by prosecutors’ filings or evidence presented publicly.
- The broader claim that internal praise for the shooting reflects agency policy or formal encouragement of use-of-force remains an inference and is not proven by a single email or text.
- Any suggestion that prosecutors’ initial filings were coordinated to shield agents from accountability is an allegation that requires further evidence and investigation.
Bottom Line
The released documents sharpen questions about how DHS and Border Patrol described the Chicago shooting and how internal communications align with public statements. Video evidence that contradicted prosecutors’ narrative led to the dismissal of charges against Marimar Martinez and has given her legal team material to press administrative and civil claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
Beyond this individual case, the records add momentum to calls for clearer oversight, more transparent investigations, and uniform use-of-force standards for federal immigration officers. For policymakers, litigants and communities, the immediate issue is ensuring independent review and accountable procedures so that evidence — not spin or selective messaging — drives outcomes.